Wicked Eden, safe haven for queer community, spurs Far South Side neighbor concerns

A group that wants to build a safe space on Columbus' Far South Side for the queer community while supporting the healthy exploration of sexuality has sparked concern from neighborhood leaders after how its kickoff event was handled.

Wicked Eden held a grand opening event on June 3 at its site at 2912 S. High St., a building that previously housed a library branch.

"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," a letter written by the Autonomy Project to the community said.

Wicked Eden is operated by the Autonomy Project, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose website said is focused on education and empowerment for the alternative sexuality community.

"We support the decriminalization of sex work, build safe spaces for the queer community, provide community for kink, sexual exploration, gender identity, and alternative lifestyles, celebrate diversity, eradicate racism and marginalization--and all of this while supporting the healthy exploration of sexuality," the website says.

"While we acknowledge the progress we have made, we are acutely aware that there is still much work to be done. Countless individuals continue to face marginalization, discrimination, and the weight of societal judgment due to their sexuality. Many struggle to navigate their desires and live authentically in a world that often fails to understand or embrace their truths," the website says.

The Autonomy Project plans on holding an event on June 25 that it is calling "The Kinky & Geeky Social."

"This Origins convention special event will transport you to a world where nerdy socializing and the sexiest desires collide," the website said. Wicked Eden said it is collaborating with The Open Shelter, an advocacy center and day services shelter for homeless and marginally housed people in central Ohio, to collect and donate menstrual products to help those who are in poverty or unhoused.

Bruce Miller, a member of the Scioto Southland Civic Association, said the Autonomy Project did not have to get the commercially zoned building rezoned to open there.

But Miller said some residents reported that people attending the June 3 event parked in the neighborhood and damaged lawns and a front porch, with some wearing little clothing.

In a letter to the community, the Autonomy Project said it is committed to the Scioto Southland neighborhood. "With the construction of the fence and soundproofing of the building, we have worked to minimize the impact ofour events on the neighborhood," it said.

Safe haven for sex trafficking survivors

Columbus resident Jamie Lombardi is the Autonomy Project's founder and executive director. She said she was not aware of any problems in the neighborhood during or after the event. She said alcohol was provided at the event.

"I'm not willing to let anyone attend an event to be disorderly outside an event," Lombardi said. "I'd be pretty mad if that was happening in my neighborhood."

Lombardi said 125 tickets were sold for the June 3 event, but fewer people attended, perhaps about 70. Miller said that a lawyer for the Autonomy Project told him hundreds attended.

Anthony Celebrezze, a spokesman for the Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services, said the maximum capacity for the building under its certificate of occupancy is 56 among the five photo studios there.

According to Columbus Division of Fire Assistant Chief David Baugh with the city's Fire Prevention Bureau, the city building and zoning department establishes the occupancy load based on the available space, number of exits and layout of the space.

In an email, Baugh cited a section of the state building code that says the building owner "shall only use the structure in compliance with the certificate of occupancy and any stated conditions."

Lombardi owns the building through a limited liability company, Inola Realty, which bought the property in June 2022 for $562,500. She said her group has spent another $500,000 to improve the building.

The June 3 event at Wicked Eden was a fundraiser, Lombardi said, with performances from local and national artists and a photo booth and raffle. She said they had a nonprofit liquor license for that night.

Lombardi said the opening was timed for Pride month.

"I'm a sex trafficking victim survivor," Lombardi said. "I wanted to establish a place that was safe and educational and empowering without fear of judgment."

Lombardi said Wicked Eden is not a sex club, and added that she'd be happy to answer questions from neighbors and the community about the plans for the site.

"Sometimes when people have a misunderstanding, the outrage gets louder than the willingness to listen," Lombardi said.

'They have a right currently to exist'

More than 100 community members attended a meeting that Miller led on Monday night at Heritage Free Will Baptist Church on the Far South Side to discuss what was going on at Wicked Eden.

Miller, also a Far South Columbus Area commissioner, told residents to take notes and photos of the goings-on at the building to document any disorderly scenes. But he warned resident not to confront anyone.

"They have a right currently to exist," Miller said.

During the meeting, Bonnie Bidlack, 56, told the crowd that she lives behind the Autonomy Project building, but didn't hear anything the night of June 3.

Others were resigned to the fact that it is there.

"I just think there really ain't much to do about it," area resident Steve Perry said as the meeting was ending.

Perry, 45, said he doesn't care what people do in their own bedrooms. But he said he has young kids and he doesn't want those attending Autonomy Project events to flaunt their lifestyle in front of them.

Another person attending the meeting, Donna Skaggs, said she wonders who would buy a house near the property.

"I'm concerned about the South End in general," Skaggs, 66, said. "The city just dumps on us. Everything's so run down."

mferench@dispatch.com

@MarkFerenchik

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Far South Side community concerned about Wicked Eden lifestyle events