Gender Affirming Glow Up

03/20/2025 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM ET

Category

Community

Admission

  • Free

Location

Columbus, OH

Summary

Gender Affirming Glow Up, the ultimate fashion experience for trans and gender non-conforming (GNC) babes, thembos, and gender rebels.

Description

Gender Affirming Glow Up: Because Your Style Should Match Your Fabulous Self

OMG, have you ever, like, totally wished for a shopping spree where everything was free, nobody judged your gender presentation, and everyone hyped you up? Well, duh—say hello to Gender Affirming Glow Up, the ultimate fashion experience for trans and gender non-conforming (GNC) babes, thembos, and gender rebels. We know the world can be a total drag right now, and safe spaces are more important than ever. That’s why we’re rolling out the most affirming, stylish, and judgment-free shopping experience ever. Whether you’re figuring out your gender vibe, refreshing your look, or just want a day of pure you energy, we’ve got your back.

 

So, How Does It Work?

💃 FREE Clothes & Accessories – No cash? No prob. Pick from a killer selection of clothes, shoes, and accessories, all 100% free. Find pieces that make you feel like the main character.

👗 Styling Consultations – Need a glow-up game plan? Our fashion fairy godparents (aka styling consultants) will help you curate a look that screams you. At check-in, you’ll fill out a quick style quiz, and we’ll pair you with someone whose vibe matches your goals. We'll have folks who specialize in femme, masc, and androgynous looks!

🛍️ Personal Shoppers – Hate shopping alone? We got you. Let our volunteer personal shoppers help you navigate racks, pick killer outfits, and make sure you leave with clothes that slay.

💜 No Need to Bring Clothes to Swap – If you wanna donate or trade, that’s awesome, but you don’t have to bring anything. This event is about receiving, expressing, and affirming YOU.

👡 You CAN bring fave clothes that you already have but want to make outfits from or that you've struggled to get just the right look and we'll help!

🌟 Mini Fashion Show – Wanna strut your new look? Join our optional fashion show at the end of the event. Get cheered on, serve your best lewk, and bask in the yassification.

 

Wait, Am I GNC Enough for This?

If gender norms feel ugh and don’t define you, this space is yours. This event is for:

  • Trans folks (binary & non-binary)
  • Genderfluid, agender, Two-Spirit, and non-binary icons
  • Androgynous, butch, femme, and gender-expansive babes
  • Basically anyone whose gender expression is, like, totally their own thing

TL;DR? If you feel like you belong, you do.

 

Why You Should Totally Come

Right now, finding spaces where you can just exist without stress is, like, majorly important. We're not about to let our trans and GNC community feel like they don't belong. As if! We want you to leave knowing you matter.

✅ Find gender-affirming clothes that make you feel amazing

✅ Get styled by people who get it

✅ Hang out in a space where you’re celebrated, not just tolerated

✅ Strut your stuff in the glow-up fashion show (or just vibe and watch!)

 

DETAILS

📅 Date: March 20th, 2025

⏰ Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

📍 Location: Wicked Eden, 2912 South High ST, Columbus Ohio 43207

⚠️ Please note: registration is required for safety. We got you, boo.

🎟️ Entry: Free to attend but a donation of $5 is encouraged. Donations will go to purchase binders and undergarments for community members.

 

This event is exclusively for trans & GNC folks (18+ with ID). Cis allies who wanna help out as stylists or personal shoppers? We see you, and we’d love your support—just know the shopping is for our GNC fam.

 

 

💜 Need a binder or shapewear? Want to make sure someone else gets what they need? 💜

We know that gender-affirming essentials like binders and shapewear can be expensive and hard to access, so we’re partnering with a supplier to provide free gift cards to attendees who need them. Sign up at the event to receive assistance—no cost, no stress, just support for your journey.

Want to help others access these essentials? Donate to the Glow Up Fund and directly support trans and GNC folks in getting the affirming gear they deserve.

Donate today: 👉 Glow Up Fund

Because everyone deserves to feel comfortable, affirmed, and celebrated in their body. 💖

 

Want to Volunteer?

💖 Want to show up for the trans & GNC community in a real, tangible way? Love fashion, self-expression, and hyping people up? Volunteer as a Gender Affirming Ally!

💜 Ready to help? Fill out a volunteer application here:

👉 https://bit.ly/genderaffirmingallies

 

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!

  • Comfy Spots! Places to sit and chill! Floor Pillows! Relaxing chairs. No shoes required (but you do you, boo)

  • New friends! We're the coolest spot in the city and it's all because of the cool folks that call this place home.

 

DRESS CODE

When it comes to attire, we want to encourage comfort and expression at Wicked Eden. We want you to feel comfortable and in the mood to have an adventure! We want you to feel safe expressing yourself in whatever you desire. We encourage you to go outside your comfort zone with festive, outrageous, or fantastic clothing you never get 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 can make a meaningful impact on people's lives. Still, you will also get perks such as discounted or free access to our events and classes and, most importantly, collaborative input into 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.

VOLUNTEER WITH US


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 respect requirements, you are not obligated to interact with anyone in any particular way. This makes our space ideal for new faces and seasoned community members alike.


COMMUNITY GATHERING

Our events aren't the product of one person hosting a party for pay; they result from a community coming together and creating something new. Everyone who attends is expected to co-create with us! Whether that's with time, energy, enthusiasm, work, intention, example, concern, and/or awareness. Have ideas, games, art, or 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 diligently care for 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. The 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

The Autonomy Project is a 501(c)(3) public charity providing resources, education, advocacy, and connection for sex workers, LGBTQIA+ folks, BIPOC, and other marginalized communities. EIN 92-1587440