A Second Skin Showcase
Join us for A Second Skin, a celebration of queer bodies, art, and self-expression — told through the transformation of something deeply personal: the chest binder.
We’re inviting about 30 participants to turn a binder into a canvas, a statement piece, a story. Whether you're painting, sewing, gluing, writing, or bedazzling — we want your art on it.
How It Works!
1.) Pre-Order a binder (in size + color of your choice) between May 7–15 for $30 (the longer one is $35).
IF YOU ARE LOCAL, SELECT CURBSIDE PICKUP AT CHECKOUT. (Select shipping if you do not live close and we will ship to you for the cost of shipping).
This will serve as your entry information, so at checkout, please use an email address that we can use to contact you throughout this process (aka not your spam email). Checkout using your name (does not have to be legal name) and include your pronouns or any additional info we might need in the checkout notes
2.) Pick up your binder in-store around May 23 (the approximate date that hey will arrive in store).
We will contact you with ETA as soon as we know. If you have chosen the shipping option at check out, we will mail out your binders as soon as they arrive and will contact you with tracking info.
3. You’ll have a few weeks to transform your binder into whatever creative masterpiece you can dream up.
You can use any medium you
choose but you are encouraged to use materials that with stand up to
wash and wear so that you can wear a second skin with pride!
We will contact you at least once before the submission date with a
chance to share progress pictures and with a reminder of deadlines.
4. Return your completed submission to Lotus Blooms on or just before June 20 to be part of our in-store gallery AND our Alexandria Pride display on June 28
If you return before or on June 20th you'll receive a 25% off coupon to shop at Lotus Blooms.
Late submissions are not eligible for the coupon but they will still be accepted through the 27th at the latest.
5. After May 14th, entry price jumps to $35 (and +$5 for the longer tank version) and spots are limited.
Once we're out of binders, we're out!
What happens to the binder after the contest?
You have the option of collecting your wearable art sometime after the event on June 28th or you can donate your work to be auctioned off to benefit LGBTQ+ Youth Orgs in the DC Metro Area. You will simply let us know at drop-off and we will coordinate either option for you.rs will be displayed in-store from June 20th- June 27th and then again at our Pride booth at the Alexandria Pride Festival on June 28th.
Community members will vote in store and online (hopefully we can figure out the online voting) from June 20–28. Voters will be asked to donate any amount per vote (one cent, one dollar, one hundred dollars).
Winners will be selected based on number of votes not on funds raised per vote.
Awards include: Fan Favorite and Social Media Superstar — plus prizes to match!
All donations will benefit the work of LGBTQ+ Youth Orgs in the DC Metro Area.
Terms & Conditions:
This contest is open to all queer, trans, and nonbinary individuals and allies. Since Lotus Blooms is an adult shop, prize offerings are subject to change if the winners are under the age of 18.
Entry fee is $30* during the preorder window (May 7–15 at 11:59pm EST) and $40* after, while supplies last (the longer tank length binder is $5 more per entry window). All sales are final, and no refunds will be made after orders are placed.
Entry fee includes one RodeoH binder in the size and color of your choice.
Participants who purchase a binder at the special entry fee price are expected to participate in the contest
Participants are encouraged to transform the binder into a wearable or displayable piece of art. All mediums and designs welcome. Entries that exceed the PG-13 rating will remain displayed instore at Lotus Blooms and will not be displayed at Alexandria Pride event. Rating will be determined by the team at Lotus Blooms and is subject to their discretion
Completed binders must be returned in person or by mail no later than June 27, 2025 to be included in the display and eligible for prizes. Binders returned sooner are eligible for a 25% off discount coupon from Lotus Blooms.
The participant retains ownership of their artwork unless otherwise agreed upon. Participants may opt to: Have their binder returned after the event OR Donate the binder to be auctioned or sold as part of the fundraiser
Lotus Blooms reserves the right to photograph and share entries on social media, website, and promotional materials.
Lotus Blooms is not responsible for lost or damaged binders during shipping or display. Binders will not be tried on or word while on display, just voted on.
This is a queer- and trans-affirming project. Any entries that promote hate, discrimination, or harmful messaging will be disqualified and the entry fee will be doubled in size (matched by Lotus Blooms) and donated to the fundraiser.