Friends & Flames: Queer Speed Dating/Friending Event
Mar 16 7:30pm - 11:30pm ∙ Columbus, OH
Do you identify as queer, kinky, ENM/poly, or exploring and want to make new friends (and maybe more)?
Join us for an evening of Autonomy-Style speed connections, with icebreaker games and a gender-inclusive format that’s aimed towards making heartfelt connections. ✨
You’ll go home with some new friends, maybe a few phone numbers, and if you play your cards right.. maybe even a potential play partner for our upcoming Wicked Explorations Play Party!
This 21+ event will feature a variety of beverages, including wine, hard seltzers, and beer, along with tasty snacks and a selection of non-alcoholic drinks to keep the vibes flowing.
This event is available for both members and non-members, and is fully inclusive of all genders, relationship styles, and sexual orientations— but the vibe, as with all our events, will be exceeding queer. 🌈
Dress as your most authentic self, whether it’s fun, flamboyant, casual, or chill. Your ideal person(s) will get you no matter what you wear.
Tickets must be purchased in advance, no ticket sales at the door.
WHAT WE’LL HAVE FOR YOU:
- Drinks! The bar will be open with a variety of sodas and mocktails to quench your thirst!
- Snacks! When the urge to snack hits you, we’ve got you covered! As always, our signature merch is always available!
- Charity Raffle! We’ve got tons of spicy toys, fun kinky stuff, surprises, maybe even some gift certificates for a gold membership or rental here (ooooohhh!) [[Check event details to see if this event includes a raffle]]
- Amazing music! Come shake your rear under the pretty lights on our huge dance floor.
- Comfy Spots! Places to sit and chill! Floor Pillows! Relaxing chairs. No shoes required (but you do you, boo)
Dress Code:
Dress as your most authentic self, whether it’s fun, flamboyant, casual, or chill. Your ideal person(s) will get you no matter what you wear.
ticket Details:
DRESS CODE
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. 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.
VOLUNTEERS
We LOVE volunteers! Join our team of community volunteers, and you will find new friends, a support system and a tight knit center of empowerment. Once you have obtained membership as above, please check out the volunteering section of The Autonomy Project website.
By volunteering with us you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, but you will also get perks such as discounted or free access to our events and classes, and most importantly, collaborative input in what we do here. Your ideas are important to us, and as a volunteer, we want you to feel like you’re part of our community: one that celebrates who you are and supports your journey.
HIGH POTENTIAL, NO PRESSURES
Our community thrives in a space where countless delightful interactions could happen, but none are obligated to occur. Think of it as “high possibility, low expectations.” Outside of our general requirements of respect, you are under no obligation to interact with anyone in any particular way. This makes our space ideal for new faces and seasoned community members alike.
HIGH POTENTIAL, NO PRESSURES
Our events aren’t the product of one person hosting a party for pay; they’re the result of a community coming together and creating something new. Everyone who attends is expected to co-create: money, time, energy, enthusiasm, work, intention, example, concern and/or awareness. Have ideas, games, art, music to share? Want to bring them to life with us?
A FOUNDATION OF TRUST
Our gatherings are magical because of trust. We fiercely protect each member’s privacy, encourage honest risk communication, and take diligent care of our shared environments. It’s our collective respect and integrity that fortify this safe space.
CLEAR AND PRESENT CONSENT
Upholding consent goes beyond preventing harm; it’s about affirming everyone’s freedom to fully and joyfully agree to their interactions. It’s through this affirmation that our spaces thrive with genuine, unreserved participation.
INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
We’re committed to inclusivity. Our community is a tapestry of individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and social backgrounds, including all gender identities and expressions. We encourage everyone to engage with empathy and curiosity, always asking rather than assuming someone’s identity or preferences.
Our space is and always will be wheelchair accessible, with multiple spaces for varying sensory needs.
PLEASE NOTE:
No refunds will be given on ticket purchases. Address is provided to confirmed ticket holders after purchase. Wicked Eden is located on the south side of Columbus, approximately 10 minutes from downtown, and is one block away from a COTA bus stop.
ABOUT US
Wicked Eden is operated by The Autonomy Project, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to education, community building, and empowerment for individuals within the alternative sexuality community, sex work industry, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Our mission is to create a safe and inclusive space where individuals can freely express their sexuality and gender identity without fear of discrimination, judgment, or violence.