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
  CURBISDE 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. 

• All mediums and designs are welcome. Entries that exceed a 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
• 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 15th, 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 in the DMV area (orgs not named for safety and privacy in this climate. Email us for specifics & questions). You will simply let us know at drop-off and we will coordinate either option for you.

Voting, Prizes, and Donations

• Binders 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.

Binder Information:

Select any size and color binder available below, choose your size or just whatever canvas gets your creative juices flowing. Please note that due to availability from our vendor, some colors are only available in a few sizes.  We do have these for sale in store at Lotus Blooms, so you are welcome to come and try them on to determine your size. (Please note that All entries must be pre-ordered in order to receive the special price)

Contour your chest with this easy-to-wear Compression Top by queer owned company RodeOH.  The Compression Top supports, smoothes, and reduces your chest while allowing for ease
of movement and, unlike traditional binders, allows you to move comfortably.

The front panel is designed with multiple layers of firm
stretch and non-stretch fabric to flatten the chest while allowing the garment to curve around the body. The back panels are medium strength stretch fabric
allowing for ease of movement and breathing.

• Great for everyday wear.
• Easy to pull on and off.
• Strong flatlock seams
• Additional shoulderstrap stretch for flexibility and comfort.
• Elasticated underband to keep in place

Material: Multiple Layers 80% Nylon 20% Spandex,
100% Cotton, 60% Rayon 33% Nylon 7% Spandex

Terms & Conditions:

1. 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.      
2. 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. 
3. Entry fee includes one RodeoH binder in the size and color of your choice.  
4. Participants who purchase a binder at the special entry fee price are expected to participate in the contest
5. 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
6.  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. 
7. 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
8. Lotus Blooms reserves the right to photograph and share entries on social media, website, and promotional materials.
9. Lotus Blooms is not responsible for lost or
   damaged binders during shipping or display.
10. 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.