<straps on boots> Ok whores, time to lead the revolution

Hit me with your thoughts. What words capture this? What phrases come to mind when you think about learning how to actually show up for each other in meaningful ways?

It'd be great if it was a snappy name that made folks feel like the heros they are and more inclined to join.

“Mutual aid” is often just monetary resource-sharing, but this is about the people behind it—how we take care of each other, how we stop being so disconnected, and how we make community care an actual practice, not just a nice idea. Because care should be reciprocal!

Basically, all the ways we can actually be useful to each other in the world we live in now.

So here’s my question: What do we call this? “Ally” feels too one-directional, like it’s about helping “others” rather than building a network of care for all of us. Advocates? Avengers?

Because once the aid is given, people are still often alone—and we want to change that.

This includes soft skills for the fight ahead—holding space, conflict resolution, de-escalation, being helpful in a crisis, skill-sharing, dismantling racism, first aid training, research, organizing, etc.

This is about learning how to show up for each other—both for people who share your experiences and for those who don’t. It’s about mutual aid that goes beyond just $$ resources and actually cultivating stronger relationships, deeper understanding, and real community support that goes both ways.

A lot of “allyship” programs focus on how to support people who *aren’t* like you, but that’s not quite the vibe.

I want to help people find their commonalities. Things have become so divisive and people retreat to their own corners.

And as we move forward, we invite you to stand with us, to build with us, and to imagine what’s possible when a community rises together.

We encourage you to follow suit, to build community where you are, because we need this in EVERY corner of our country.

We create a ripple effect of resilience, empowerment, and hope—because when one of us thrives, we all do.

At The Autonomy Project, we don’t just talk about change; we create the conditions for it. This is a space that doesn’t just exist—it actively resists.

When we say that building community is political, we mean it. Every event, workshop, and support group is an act of resistance. Every connection made here strengthens the bonds that help people weather the storms of discrimination and inequality.

Legislation targeting queer identities, sex workers, minorities, and women is on the rise. Social safety nets are eroding, leaving vulnerable populations at greater risk. In this climate, having a space that educates, empowers, and uplifts is a lifeline.

No one else is doing what we do in Ohio—because no one else brings these diverse groups together under one roof to build something stronger than fear: community.

The political and social stakes couldn’t be higher right now.

What sets us apart is how deeply we serve at the intersection of marginalized identities: queer, trans, BIPOC, sex workers, creatives, and allies. This isn’t just a collection of individuals; it’s a coalition of people working together to dismantle oppression and imagine new possibilities.

queer-centered celebrations, mutual aid for those in crisis, or advocacy town halls to mobilize action, we foster spaces that are unapologetically inclusive, fiercely protective, and radically empowering.

it’s a sanctuary where people can come as they are, free from judgment, stigma, or fear.

When we gather, we create more than just joyful moments—we create safety, solidarity, and power. Our community is a direct response to the forces that seek to divide and silence us. Whether it's through