Next on Copper Robot: Join us for a discussion of same-sex marriage. We’ll talk about why it’s right, why it’s important, and what’s being done about it

When: Sunday, Oct. 4, 6 pm Second Life Time, which is the same as Pacific time.

Where: The lovely Seaside Theater on World2Worlds Island in Second Life. Or watch the live video on the Web.

Photo: Tillie Ariantho

We’re talking with Marriage Equality USA, a national organization working to promote civil marriage for same-sex couples. In two weeks, Marriage Equality is participating in the sixth annual Bridgewalk to promote the cause, marching across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. That’s Oct. 11, the same weekend as a two-day National Equality March in Washington D.C. Oct. 11 is also National Coming Out Day and a National Day of Action–we’ll find out what that’s all about.

While marriage equality suffered a big setback in California, with the passing of Prop. 8 banning same-sex marriage last year, the fight goes on. Maine is voting on Proposition 1, overturning that state’s marriage equality bill, in November. And there are several cases headed to federal court, looking to overturn Prop. 8 and the national Defense of Marriage Act.

Hope to see you Sunday!

Click through to see all the terrific details. Find it at Synergy Mystique. (Via New World Notes.)

I’m back from several weeks at a spa for copper robots. I got a new coat of polish, WD-40 for the joints, and rejuvenating treatments to restore the antennae to their youthful springiness. I’m rested up and ready for a new season of Copper Robot interviews.

Avedon Carol

We’re kicking things off a week from today with political blogger Avedon Carol. Writing at the blog The Sideshow, Avedon has been a fire-breathing voice of progressive politics throughout the Bush administration, and she’s no great fan of Obama either. We’re going to talk about healthcare reform, politics, and more.

When: Sunday, Sept. 20, 6 pm Second Life time, which is the same as Pacific time.

Where: The lovely Seaside Theater, World2Worlds Island in Second Life, or watch the live video on the Web.

Avedon is an American and longtime resident of London. She’s a feminist anti-censorship and civil liberties activist, and researcher about sex crimes. She is a member of Feminists Against Censorship, co-edited “Bad Girls & Dirty Pictures” in 1993, and wrote “Nudes, Prudes, and Attitudes” the following year.

She’s also been active in science fiction fandom, and was nominated for three Hugo Awards as Best Fan Writer for her contributions to science fiction fanzines.

I’ve known Avedon for years, mostly through Internet discussion forums, but we lost touch for a long time. I learned she was in Second Life in May, when she was interviewed on Virtually Speaking. “Holy crap,” I said. “That’s Avedon Carol.” I’m clever with the insights that way.

I hope you’ll join us for what’s sure to be a stimulating conversation.