concerning our opening
We understand that the recent opening of Wicked Eden has raised questions and uncertainty within some parts of the local community. We appreciate the opportunity to address these concerns and provide accurate information.
The Autonomy Project is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to fostering respect and empowering personal autonomy at the vibrant intersection of the LGBTQIA+, sex work, and alternative lifestyle communities. Our website can be found at AutonomyProject.org.
Wicked Eden is a private, members only, social organization dedicated to education, empowerment and advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQIA+ and alternative lifestyle communities.
The name Wicked Eden reflects our chosen role as a sanctuary for persons whose gender, sexuality or sexual practices were once considered wicked by society. At Wicked Eden, all are welcome regardless of race, gender, sexuality or ability. We like to say that no knowledge is forbidden. Our organization celebrates the diversity of gender and sexuality in the human race and offers a safe space where our members can freely express their identities without fear of discrimination or judgment.
Wicked Eden is a trade name for the Autonomy Project, a non-profit, tax exempt 501c3 organization dedicated to education, empowerment and advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQIA+ and alternative lifestyle communities. For that community, we operate an event space and community center. We are open only to approved members over the age of 21. Our building is suitably zoned for the social and educational services we offer to our members.
Wicked Eden sponsors events, workshops, and social gatherings for its members. These activities advance our educational purpose, offer our members social engagement in a safe environment, and raise money to advance the interests of the LGBTQIA+ and alternative lifestyle communities.
Our Grand Opening Gala was a fundraising party offering a costume theme, raffle contest, photo booth, entertainment, food and cocktails for our member guests. Wicked Eden is not a sex club, swinger club, adult entertainment or sexually oriented business and does not permit prostitution or illegal activity of any kind on its premises. In the future, we plan to offer educational workshops, meet and great social activities, and monthly fundraising events for our members.
We are committed to our neighborhood and have invested a substantial sum to renovate and secure a vacant building. With the construction of the fence and soundproofing of the building, we have worked to minimize the impact of our events on the neighborhood. In the event we exceed the capacity of our parking lot in the future, we will work to divert our members from parking on the residential streets behind the building. We want to be good neighbors and work with the community in the future.
Read more about becoming a member below:
OPERATED BY THE AUTONOMY PROJECT
COLUMBUS, OHIO
IS WICKED EDEN A "SEX CLUB"?
It’s important to clarify that Wicked Eden is not a sex club. It is an LGBTQIA+ event space and community center that aims to create a safe and inclusive environment for sex workers, kink enthusiasts, and the alternative lifestyle community. Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging, acceptance, and celebration within these communities. The building is owned by a woman who is a long-time Columbus resident who feels strongly about community development and empowerment.
We understand that there may be misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding the nature of the LGBTQIA+ event space, Wicked Eden. It’s important to clarify that Wicked Eden is not a sex club. It is an inclusive event space that provides a safe and supportive environment for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, including sex workers, kink enthusiasts, and those involved in alternative lifestyles. We strive to create an atmosphere that encourages open-mindedness, mutual respect, and personal autonomy.
The term “sex club” often carries negative connotations and can lead to misunderstandings. Wicked Eden promotes inclusivity and education and fosters a sense of community among its attendees. It serves as a platform for various events, workshops, and social gatherings that encourage self-expression, acceptance, and celebration within the LGBTQIA+ community.
At Wicked Eden, we prioritize creating a welcoming and empowering environment for individuals to connect, learn, and engage in a variety of activities that promote self-expression and personal growth. Our space is designed to host a range of events, workshops, educational sessions, and social gatherings that foster community, education, and exploration. These events are carefully curated to ensure consent, respect, and inclusivity are at the forefront.
FAQ
What kind of classes and eduction are held at wicked eden?
At Wicked Eden, we offer a diverse range of educational opportunities, classes, and community events that aim to foster personal growth, learning, and connection within the LGBTQIA+ community. Our classes cover a wide array of topics, such as LGBTQIA+ history, gender and sexuality education, consent workshops, mental health and well-being, and more. These classes provide a safe and inclusive space for individuals to deepen their understanding, engage in meaningful discussions, and expand their knowledge within a supportive community environment.
WHat kind of events do you hold at wicked eden?
In addition to our educational programs, we organize a variety of community events designed to promote social interaction and a sense of togetherness. Our board game nights offer a fun and inclusive environment for individuals to come together, play games, and build connections. Similarly, our movie nights provide an opportunity to enjoy films that celebrate diverse perspectives and LGBTQIA+ narratives. These events are open to all community members, regardless of their background or experience, and serve as platforms for fostering understanding, inclusivity, and shared experiences.
We also host workshops on financial literacy, social media management, marketing, organization, and creator camps for artists. We intend to host craft fairs and pop-up events for local artisans, photography and videography creator intensives, music events, and much more.
We want to clarify that the themed parties at Wicked Eden are fundraising events that occur on a monthly basis. These events serve a dual purpose: providing a fun and celebratory atmosphere for the LGBTQIA+ community while also raising funds for important causes. The funds generated from these parties are directed toward supporting local LGBTQIA+ organizations, initiatives, and community projects.
Why is Wicked eden a members only space?
Wicked Eden being a members-only space serves several important purposes that contribute to the safety, privacy, and inclusivity of the LGBTQIA+ community. Here are some reasons why Wicked Eden operates as a members-only space:
Safety and Privacy: By operating as a members-only space, Wicked Eden can maintain a higher level of control over who attends its events. This helps ensure the safety and well-being of attendees by creating a closed and controlled environment where individuals can freely express their identities without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
Consent and Boundaries: A members-only policy allows for clearer communication of expectations and boundaries among attendees. Members have a shared understanding of Wicked Eden’s community norms, rules, and consent practices. This helps foster an atmosphere of respect and understanding where individuals can engage in consensual interactions and activities.
Community Building: The members-only policy facilitates the formation of a closely-knit community within Wicked Eden. It creates a sense of belonging and fosters deeper connections among attendees who share similar experiences, interests, and values. This community aspect enhances the support network and opportunities for personal growth within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Maintaining a Safe Space: A members-only policy allows Wicked Eden to carefully curate the attendee list and ensure that individuals who attend align with the inclusive and respectful values of the space. It helps maintain a safe and welcoming environment, protecting attendees from potential harm or unwelcome behavior that can be prevalent in open and public spaces.
Compliance with Legal Regulations: Operating as a members-only space helps Wicked Eden maintain compliance with legal regulations and requirements that could be specific to certain types of activities or events. This allows for better control and oversight to ensure that all activities conducted within the space align with applicable laws and guidelines.
It’s important to note that while Wicked Eden operates as a members-only space, it remains committed to openness and inclusivity within its membership process. Efforts are made to ensure accessibility, diversity, and non-discrimination in granting membership to individuals who align with the values and purpose of the space.
YOUR MISSION includes "sex work" -- do you allow prostitution at wicked eden?
We understand that the inclusion of sex work can be a complex and sensitive topic for discussion. It’s important to approach this issue with empathy, respect, and a recognition of human rights.
At Wicked Eden, we strive to create a safe and inclusive space for all members of the community, including sex workers. It’s crucial to acknowledge that sex work is a multifaceted issue that intersects with various social, economic, and personal factors. By providing a supportive environment, we aim to promote the well-being and safety of sex workers while addressing the systemic issues they face.
Our approach is rooted in harm reduction principles, which prioritize minimizing the risks associated with sex work rather than attempting to eradicate it. We believe that by creating an open and non-judgmental space, we can offer resources, support, and education to those involved in sex work, empowering them to make informed choices about their own lives and bodies. We also work with victims of sex trafficking and abuse, providing resources and education to further their path to healing and empowerment.
It’s important to note that the inclusion of sex work within our space does not condone or promote illegal activities. We strictly adhere to local laws and regulations, ensuring that all activities are conducted within the legal framework. We actively collaborate with relevant organizations and authorities to address any concerns and to support the safety and rights of all individuals involved.
We understand that not everyone may agree with the inclusion of sex work. However, it’s essential to recognize the inherent dignity and agency of individuals involved in this profession. We aim to foster a dialogue that moves beyond stigma and focuses on compassion, education, and the promotion of equitable opportunities for all members of our community.
Is Wicked Eden a sexually oriented adult business?
Wicked Eden operates as a nonprofit organization, meaning its primary focus is on serving the community and fulfilling a specific mission rather than generating profit. While Wicked Eden provides a space for events and activities that may touch on topics related to sexuality and alternative lifestyles, its core purpose extends beyond the provision of sexual services or explicit adult entertainment.
The nonprofit status of Wicked Eden reflects its commitment to community engagement, support, and education within the LGBTQIA+ community. The organization’s focus lies in creating a safe and inclusive environment, fostering personal growth, promoting diversity, and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community’s identities and experiences.
While sexual orientation and sexuality are natural aspects of human life and are acknowledged and respected within the community, Wicked Eden’s primary aim is not the provision of explicit sexual services or adult entertainment. Instead, the organization places emphasis on community-building, education, fundraising, and supporting local LGBTQIA+ initiatives.
The classification of a sexually oriented business typically refers to establishments primarily engaged in the provision of explicit adult entertainment or commercial sexual activities. Wicked Eden operates within a different framework as a nonprofit organization, focusing on social welfare, advocacy, and community enrichment rather than profit-driven adult entertainment.
By maintaining its nonprofit status and prioritizing community support and education, Wicked Eden can uphold its commitment to inclusivity, personal growth, and the betterment of the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole.
We also host workshops on financial literacy, social media management, marketing, organization, and creator camps for artists. We intend to host craft fairs and pop-up events for local artisans, photography and videography camps, music events, and much more.
We want to clarify that the themed parties at Wicked Eden are fundraising events that occur on a monthly basis. These events serve a dual purpose: providing a fun and celebratory atmosphere for the LGBTQIA+ community while also raising funds for important causes. The funds generated from these parties are directed toward supporting local LGBTQIA+ organizations, initiatives, and community projects.
FAQ cont.
How will Wicked Eden ensure the safety and well-being of attendees and participants?
Safety is of paramount importance to us. We prioritize creating a secure environment by implementing security measures, including trained staff, controlled access, and surveillance systems. We also collaborate closely with local law enforcement to ensure appropriate measures are in place. Additionally, we provide resources and support for consent education, risk reduction, and harm prevention within the community.
How will the activities at wicked eden be regulated to ensure they are safe to the community?
We recognize the importance of appropriate regulation and ensuring that activities align with community standards. Wicked Eden operates within the legal framework and adheres to all relevant local regulations and ordinances. We maintain open lines of communication with local authorities to ensure compliance with guidelines and best practices. Additionally, we welcome ongoing dialogue with the community and are open to addressing any specific concerns or suggestions regarding activities held at the event space.
How can we ensure that children and families in the neighborhood are not exposed to inappropriate content or activities?
Creating a safe and inclusive space for all community members, including children and families, is one of our top priorities. We strictly enforce age restrictions at Wicked Eden for all events and activities. We maintain a vigilant approach to ensure that all content and activities are appropriate and align with community standards. We also encourage open communication with parents and community members to address any concerns and provide a platform for ongoing feedback and dialogue.
questions?
General Inquiries – contact@autonomyproject.org
Event Coordinator – events@autonomyproject.org
Venue & Volunteer Inquiries – desiree@autonomyproject.org
Sponsors, Donations, and Media Inquiries – alex@autonomyproject.org