LIBERATION THROUGH COLLECTIVE ACTION
OUR MISSION
The Autonomy Project is a grassroots nonprofit committed to building a world where LGBTQIA+, GSRM, BIPOC, sex workers, neurodivergent individuals, and creatives are not just included—but celebrated, protected, and empowered. Based in Columbus, Ohio, we create spaces where those pushed to the margins can find belonging, express themselves freely, and access the resources they need to thrive.
Through community-led education, mutual aid, and transformative events, we challenge the systems that harm us and cultivate the ones that heal. Our work is grounded in radical care, accountability, and the belief that liberation is a collective act.
In a world that often demands our silence, The Autonomy Project is where we raise our voices, lift each other up, and build something better together.
OUR VISION
We envision a world where personal autonomy is celebrated, and all individuals in LGBTQIA+ and sex work communities can thrive without fear, discrimination, or judgment.
CORE VALUES
Personal Autonomy
We believe every individual has the fundamental right to make decisions about their own body, identity, and life without external coercion or judgment.
Safety & Support
We create and maintain safe spaces where community members can access resources, find support, and connect with others without fear of discrimination or harm.
Education & Advocacy
We provide education to empower our communities and advocate for policy changes that protect and advance the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals and sex workers.
Inclusivity
We embrace and celebrate the full spectrum of identities within our communities, ensuring all voices are heard and valued.
Dignity & Respect
We treat every individual with inherent dignity and respect, recognizing their worth and humanity regardless of their identity or work.
Community Empowerment
We believe in the power of community to create lasting change and work to strengthen connections and collective action within our communities.
COMMUNITIES AT OUR CENTER
Our work is driven by the needs and leadership of the communities we serve. We don't just create programs for these groups—we create with them, ensuring our work reflects their lived experiences and priorities.
LGBTQIA+ Community
[CLIENT INPUT NEEDED: Number of LGBTQIA+ attendees/participants served] - See Stage 1 Content Gaps Summary, Section 15, Gap #6
Programs: Pride events, support groups, creative gatherings
Impact: Safe spaces for authentic self-expression
Sex Workers
[CLIENT INPUT NEEDED: Number of sex worker community members served] - See Stage 1 Content Gaps Summary, Section 15, Gap #6
Programs: Safety resources, legal education, mutual aid
Impact: Harm reduction, advocacy, dignity
QTPOC Community
[CLIENT INPUT NEEDED: Number of QTPOC attendees/participants served] - See Stage 1 Content Gaps Summary, Section 15, Gap #6
Programs: Cultural celebrations, BIPOC-centered events, advocacy
Impact: Addressing intersectional marginalization
Creatives
[CLIENT INPUT NEEDED: Number of creatives engaged] - See Stage 1 Content Gaps Summary, Section 15, Gap #6
Programs: Studio rentals, content creation support, workshops
Impact: Space and resources for artistic expression
GSRM (Gender, Sexual, Romantic Minorities)
[CLIENT INPUT NEEDED: Number of GSRM community members served] - See Stage 1 Content Gaps Summary, Section 15, Gap #6
Programs: Education, kink-positive events, relationship support
Impact: Normalizing diverse relationship structures
THEORY OF CHANGE
Step 1:
Create Brave Spaces
We build physical and emotional spaces where marginalized people can gather safely, express themselves authentically, and connect with others who share their experiences.
Step 2:
Build Power
Through education, advocacy, and mutual support, we help individuals and communities develop the knowledge, resources, and confidence to claim their autonomy and challenge oppressive systems.
Step 3:
Model the Future
Our work demonstrates what's possible when communities center care, equity, and collective liberation. We're not waiting for systems to change—we're building the world we want to see.
HOW WE WORK
The Autonomy Project operates on principles of transparency, collaboration, and community leadership. Here's what sets us apart:
Volunteer-Run
Every member of our team, from leadership to event coordinators, is a volunteer. We do this work because we believe in it, not because we're paid to care.
Community-Funded
We receive $0 in corporate funding. Every dollar comes from individual donors, members, and event attendees who believe in our mission. This keeps us accountable to community, not shareholders.
Survivor-Centered
Our leadership includes survivors of abuse, discrimination, and marginalization. We don't theorize about safety—we build it from lived experience.
Do-ocracy
Anyone can propose, lead, or create programs. We believe in shared leadership where those who do the work have the power to shape it.
Transparent
We publish our financials, share our decision-making processes, and welcome feedback. Our community deserves to know how we operate and where resources go.
BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT
Liberation isn't built by one person or one organization—it's built by all of us, working together. Join us in creating a world where everyone has the autonomy to thrive.
