Gay life in boise idaho
Idaho Pride from to
Boise Pride Parade, June , taken by Deborah Graham, MSS Collection on Gay Life, courtesy of Boise State University
By Alisha Graefe (she/they), a queer archivist at Boise State University
The AASLH Annual Conference will gather on a serendipitous weekend as the city will be celebrating its 34th Boise Pride. Due to COVID, Boise moved its Pride festival to September which they have retained the last few years. Despite various setbacks and legal battles, the Pride festival has seen record attendance, being a place where queer Idahoans can still gather and celebrate openly in downtown Boise.
While downtown Boise may look a little more gay friendly than normal September , Idaho has historically been a tough state to be out in. While there have been highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks, queer Idahoans continue to exist in the foreground of Idaho history. We exist in the margins, in the rural wide open spaces of Idaho, and throughout the political landscape.
Before the first Pride Parade was hosted in , Idaho had its first gay bar by called Shuckey’s, a
Can You (Really) Find Queer Community in The Mountain West?
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
A winter storm is headed our way—one of the worst the mountain’s seen this year. Thirty-mile-per-hour winds whip across the landing at the top of Town Lift on Park City Mountain with absolutely no remorse. Despite the unpleasant conditions, my spirits are high. I’m here with my best noun for Utah Gay Ski Week, and I’m gearing up for what’s likely to be the highlight of the trip—the Queerski Pride Parade group ride down the mountain, celebrating the energy and unity of the queer community.
Nearly an hour ahead of schedule, I huddle in a ball next to a ski run signpost and watch for rainbow flags (or drag queens) coming off the chairlift. I’d, of course, prefer to earn a few runs in before the parade, but I verb to risk my chance at skiing down the mountain with my fellow gays. Over half of the lifts are closed, current lines are reaching a minute-plus wait time, and the gusts continue to
The History of the Table Rock Cross
In the mids, the Boys of Boise scandal was the City of Trees’ own version of Hollywood’s Red Scare stalk for communists. So how does it connect to the Table Rock cross, a familiar and even comforting sight for many Boiseans?
I recently traced the history on the City Cast Boise podcast, and went further back to pre-colonization, when the mountain that bears Table Rock was a spiritual symbol of another kind.
City Cast
The Gay Scandal That Led to the Table Rock Cross
What Was the Scandal?
In October , a Boise police officer began investigating men who were allegedly meeting in public parks to have sex with teenage boys. The Idaho Statesman covered the allegations almost daily, and the investigation quickly expanded to consenting adults.
The Boise Police Department hired a private investigator in the case, and 16 men were charged over the next two years. It’s difficult to determine how many people were investigated in total. Some local historians said in the “Fall of ‘55” documentary about the scandal that author John Gerassi grea
Boise Gay City Guide – A Big Town City with a Small Town Feel
Situated on the banks of the Boise River, Idaho’s capital city of Boise is a city with so much to offer. Some often describe Boise as being a big town city with a small-town feel, where locals are friendly, warm, and welcoming. With a growing arts scene, plenty of business opportunities, and recreational activities of all kinds to enjoy, Boise would make a great place to call home.
A Bit of Boise History
Boise was initially settled by early 19th century French Canadians. It is also settlers who gave the city its name, which comes from the French for Boise, meaning “wooded” because of the tree-lined river near which it sits. Boise was officially established following the gold rush to the area, and the community initially developed for the purpose of providing services for the nearby mines. It was also located at the crossroads of the Oregon Trail, which helped to ensure additional growth and development as well. Since that time Boise has grown to be an important agricultural center, as well as a ci