We understand that our space and our org are unusual, and it might be a bit weird to wrap your head around it. That's ok! We are paving new paths and laying new ground. You'll find many questions answered in our FAQ below.
We are a 501c3 public charity, verified with GuideStar and Candid. We are a grassroots charity, meaning that everything we do is directly engaging with the community we serve.
Our board is majority fem/them, minority, and is entirely LGBTQIA+. We exist solely on the support of individual donors, memberships, merch sales, and ticket sales.
Donations to our organization are entirely tax-deductible and our space is entirely volunteer run.
LGBTQIA / Queer Community
Sex-positive, creativity-based “counterculture” community
GSRM - Gender, Sexual, and Romantically Marginalized Groups
Fem and Them-Identifying People (cis women, assigned female at birth, trans women, trans men, non-binary, and adjacent
Sex Workers and Sex Work Adjacent
We focus on specific initiatives for marginalized folks specifically inside our broader mission groups who are:
OF COURSE YOU ARE!
Creating a safe place for marginalized folks means that we've done the work to make it safe for people like us, but that also means we've done the work to make it safe for everyone.
Our community is healthier and more vibrant when it's filled with folks from every corner of the spectrum, and your identity is only one aspect of who you are.
This is a place for anyone who ever felt like they "didn't belong."
Autonomy Project is the nonprofit organization that runs the show here, which advocates, empowers, and educates our community.
Wicked Eden is what we call our physical space. Wicked Eden is not a club, bar, or typical venue.. it's a community center that reflects the needs of our community.
Wicked Eden is located at 2912 S High St, Columbus OH 43207.
Please be aware that we do not have regular hours and that our space is used for other purposes during the week, so we do not allow visits outside of posted event times or rentals.
We do not have regular hours, as our space is utilized for various events and activities at various times. We do not allow walk-ins or other visits without an appointment or in regards to a scheduled activity.
No, all activities are by appointment only, or are ticketed events. Keep an eye on our events page for open house days and community events to see our space in person. Please do not come to the space without an appointment outside of events.
Yes! The closest bus stop is less than a block away from the building.
We have a fenced in parking lot with space for approximately 30 cars, which tends to fill up for larger events. There is additional parking next door, and one block away in the parking lot of the former church (now empty).
Our facility is located approximately 12 minutes from downtown Columbus and is easily accessible by all rideshare services. Wicked Eden is located in close proximity to a residential neighborhood, and it is essential that we demonstrate respect and consideration for our neighbors.
Parking is one area where we must be mindful. We kindly request that our members and attendees avoid parking in residential areas surrounding our venue.
No, we're not. Wicked Eden is truly unlike any space you've ever seen, and as such, it might be hard to grasp.
While our 1/3 of our space includes studio rooms, themed with specialized props and furniture, our space is primarily an queer, creative event space. Our studio rooms are available for rent by creative professionals looking to create content in a truly unique space.
It's a community space, a home for the people who exist at the intersectionality of the creative, sex work, alternative relationship, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, nerdy, and exploring worlds. We host a variety of events and classes geared for all types of folk.
It's a place for those who felt like they never belonged to create and inspire, grow, heal, thrive, and, most importantly, BE THEMSELVES. We believe that self-exploration and sexuality are holistic parts of being human, and so we have created a safe haven where that is only one aspect of what we offer.
That's why our programming is so diverse; it reflects the diversity of the people who call this place home—and it could be your home, too.
Yes! We do rent our space in any combination of rooms and areas. For personal and professional rentals, you can access the rental reservation form inside your dashboard,
For other types of rentals, contact us to discuss details!
All events are for ages 21 and up. Photo ID is required to attend our events.
It depends on the event. For members-only or certain social events, tickets must be purchased online. If they are sold out, ticket sales will continue before the event.
We may accept ticket purchases at the door for other events, such as classes or discussion groups. It's best to check the event description to determine which.
We ask that you always buy tickets in advance when possible. This allows us to plan accordingly regarding volunteers and space needs.
You don't need a paid membership, but you do need to register for a free account first to access event tickets and more.
Click the "Sign Up / Login" button at the top to get started.
Bonus, having an account gets you access to our dashboard with all the events, rental info, volunteer details, and much more.
Most events require tickets to be purchased in events, and some limited events allow for donations at the door. Each event will clearly state which is which!
For members only events, you MUST purchase your membership at least 48 hours prior to the event so you can be approved.
We recommend ALWAYS getting your tickets in advance, even for free events, because it makes it very difficult for us to plan volunteers and space requirements when tickets are bought the day before or same day.
As a volunteer run org, we constantly get emails and messages the day of an event and the team is busy prepping for that event, not checking the emails. It's quite difficult for us to manage the inbox for last minute questions, so do us a solid and register in advance.
BUT, if you're trying to get a hold of someone, the best way to receive an immediate response is to use our Autonomy Project Discord or Facebook group. Chances are someone will see a question there quicker than the email!
Unfortunately, we do not. As a volunteer run org, we lack the staff to provide that level of administration.
Yes! Our space is fully ADA-accessible. It is a former public library, which is single-story, with all accommodations made to bathrooms, hallways, and entrances. There is a fully ADA-accessible bathroom including a shower.
When it comes to attire, anything goes at Wicked Eden, we want you to feel comfortable and in the mood to have an adventure!
Wicked Eden is a place where you can wear as much or as little as you desire, as long as you're not making others feel uncomfortable. We want you to always feel comfortable expressing yourself in whatever ways you desire. We encourage you to go outside your comfort zone with festive, outrageous, or amazing clothing that you never get a chance to wear anywhere else.
Not Allowed:
Any clothing or accessories that may be offensive, discriminatory, or disrespectful to others is unallowed. Attire that could pose a safety risk (e.g., overly cumbersome costumes) is discouraged.
Yes! Our space features 3 bathrooms and 2 full showers (please bring your own towels if you intend to use the showers for any reason), one of which is ADA-compliant and wheelchair accessible.
Please note that our coat check and belongings storage are first come, first serve.
Yes, you can. We have shelves and a coat rack available to store your items, as well as lockers available for rent. Check with our Merch stand to rent a locker. Gold Level Members receive a complimentary locker rental. Just check in with our Merch stand when you arrive.
Phones are permitted at most of our events. Photos are only to be taken with the consent of everyone appearing in the photos.
Photos and videos are permitted at most events, with the consent of everyone appearing in the photos. There will be a dedicated photo booth at many events. We will have wristbands at the door for those who do not wish to appear in photos and will be militantly upholding the privacy of these guests. We require that everyone’s safety and confidentiality be held to the highest regard. If you are found to be taking pictures without consent of everyone in the picture, you may be asked to put away your phone in your vehicle or bag.
Yes, we offer a variety of merchandise for purchase using cash or card. Merch options often include shirts, stickers, keychains, and water bottles, with new items dropping seasonally. Please support us by buying our merch!
Absolutely! Our Merch stand not only sells all the hottest Wicked Eden and Autonomy Project merchandise, but a variety of drinks, snacks (GF typically available), and refreshments. For our bigger parties, we often book a local food truck for additional food.
It depends! Some of our events serve alcohol and mocktails, while some do not. Be sure to check the event details, so you know what to expect.
No food, open beverages, or glass containers in the playrooms. Closed water bottles are allowed! You may bring your own, or purchase one from the merch stand. Outside food and drink are also not permitted, except for water. If you have specific dietary needs, please inform a staff member during check-in for appropriate arrangements.
We have plenty of places to eat! We have a social area across from our kitchen with tables and comfy couches and there are often tables and chairs in the event space side as well.
THE AUTONOMY PROJECT IS a 501c3 PUBLIC CHARITY PROVIDING RESOURCES, EDUCATION, ADVOCACY AND CONNECTION FOR SEX WORKERS, LGBTQIA+ FOLKS, BIPOC, & OTHER MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES. EIN 92-1587440
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