Did deanism/filianism originate as the fictional religion of Aristasia? If not, where?
I believe that the specific trend you are interested has a very close link to Aristasia, but it did not grow out of Aristasia. Rather, Aristasia grew from it. The original format of filianism/deanism associated with Aristasia began at Oxford University. I see it as fitting with the trend in the late 20th century which saw several feminine-focused religions and lesbian separatist movements rise. (Another example is Dianic Wicca, which appeared in the 1970’s.) You can find more information HERE and HERE.
What was the transition process from Aristasia to the current form like? What still holds true between the two?
It was not exactly a smooth transition, it just… kind of happened. When I first became interested in Aristasia (I think around late 2006) it had just entered what I think of as its Novaryan phase. The community on Second Life was beginning, and I couldn’t join as I was too young. Within a few years, the Flight of the Silver Vixen was released and the pettes on Heartbook became enamoured with Pretty Cure.
What holds true from when I first became involved to when I fell out of the general community is a completely feminine-centered worldview and a deep level of jargon and obtuseness, which I believe is partially intended to turn away prying media eyes.
Were any of you Aristasians? How did you find out about this religion?
If you mean, did I have an Aristasian persona and did I communicate with Aristasians online, then yes. I was sporadically Aristasian for a long time and was most distressed when I tried to return after a long absence and found that it had become Chelouranya. If you mean, did I travel to meet with other Aristasians and fully immerse myself in an Aristasian lifestyle, then no.
As for how I found it, I think the internet somehow lead me to the main Aristasian webpage when I was trying to learn about lesbians in Britain. What I saw there seemed beautiful and strange. I think I watched “A Weekend at Miss Martindale’s” too, which appealed to me as someone who wished to live a very different life to the one I was living. It all seemed so aspirational and far away, but within a few weeks of my interest developing, the website changed substantially to include more information about Operation Bridgehead. I think a forum with a name like “Blue Rose” appeared around that time too? That forum eventually became Heartbook. It blew my mind that I could join and participate. I was very young, shy and struggled with the lingo, so I made several different personas over the years. I doubt any Chelouranyans would remember me.
You’re serious about this, right? It seems like it’s not an elaborate troll but you can’t trust the internet.
It’s not a troll, it long predates trolls as an internet phenomenon. Who would it be trolling anyway? As far as I am aware, Aristasia doesn’t hurt or target anyone.
I see it as a tiny new religious movement with a very long-lived roleplay scene. Both of these have taken many forms and received different levels of emphasis over the years. Personally, I have always been interested in the roleplay and other-world aspect more than the religion, but the religion has the more interesting history.
Do you believe in the two feminine sexes thing?
That is part of the roleplay, which we referred to as Life Theatre. In my opinion, Aristasians aren’t, or at least weren’t, delusional. Several on Heartbook spoke of their real lives, and several were or had been married and had children. Aristasia Pura isn’t a real place; it’s a transformative space, a romantic daydream, an aspiration that can never truly be fulfilled. To me, it was my ethereal desire to connect with other women given a particular structure and shape. Anyone who has played roleplaying games or been part of a fandom knows that something doesn’t have to be real to be genuinely moving or to add value to your life.
Are y'all still really into anime? What about roleplaying?
I love anime, but the over-emphasis of Anime and the exoticization of Japanese culture was one of the things that drove me away from mainstream Aristasia/Chelouranya for a long time. As someone who actually wears egl fashion everyday, the way it was discussed on Heartbook made me, a Brunette who just saw my frills as clothes rather than a statement about my “pure soul”, quite uncomfortable.
I am massively into roleplaying. Always have been, always will be. Even though I am largely happy with my life, it’s just a lot of fun.
What happened to all the Victorian stuff?
The image of Artistasia has often been shaped by its more influential members and what they are interested in. Initially, the image seems to have been more Dianic. Later, it was very 1940’s. For a while, the image of a Victorian girls’ school was favoured due to the setting in Second Life being, well… Exactly that. As Second Life’s popularity waned and anime became a primary influence, egl fashion and other things associated with Novarya rose to the forefront. I am not sure what the current scene looks like.
Is Sai Sushuri an homage to Sushuri Madonna, an avatar in Second Life who was a prominent figure in that era of Aristasia?
I believe Sushuri Madonna took her name from Sai Sushuri, but as Suhuri Madonna was heavily involved in transforming the religious side of Artistasia, who can say for certain? She had many pseudonyms and characters she played, too. I am unsure how many active Aristasians there were at the time and how many of the pettes I spoke with were just her with another hat on. I say this not to criticize, just to express my experience.
What’s your position on trans folks?
As a cis woman, I have no problem whatsoever with trans people. I believe trans pettes should be welcomed. As long as someone is kind and doesn’t hurt others, then I will always treat them with respect. Many of the trans people I have known have been lovely to me. I see no reason to exclude them from anything in particular.
Is there any message you want people to know about your religion?
I wish others could understand the sense of relief I felt when I found such a powerfully feminine-centric religion with a potent dream-world to explore and a community where you are taken as the person you present yourself as. To me, who lived in a lonely, repressed environment, it was my first taste of freedom.
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