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In changing political climate, Boise Pride attendees urge LGBTQ community to 'stay visible'

Boise State Public Radio News | By Julie Luchetta,
Murphy Woodhouse
Published September 8, 2025 at 3:27 PM MDT
A close-up portrait of someone smiling in the golden hour. Wearing rainbow sunglasses and a rainbow paper crown.
Murphy Woodhouse
/
Boise State Public Radio
Boise Pride moved to Ann Morrison Park in 2025.

For the first time this year, Boise Pride was celebrated Ann Morrison Park. Many in attendance talked about the importance of showing up for the queer community amid rising anti-LBGTQ policies and rhetoric.

Two attendees of Boise Pride walk on the grass of Ann Morrison Park. One is wearing a Trans flag as a cape (Blue, pink, white) while the other is wearing a lesbian flag as a cape (pink, orange, yellow).
Murphy Woodhouse
/
Boise State Public Radio
Boise Pride moved to Ann Morrison in 2025.
"I celebrate pride every day that I get up and live my life and like, go out and exist in the world being my true self."
Kyle Sparrow

Picture of musician Joshua Emara taken from the stage with the crowd at Boise Pride in the background. The performer is wearing a black crop top with a red star on it, their hands up in the air.
Murphy Woodhouse
/
Boise State Public Radio
Artist Joshua Emara performing at Boise Pride.
"You need to stay visible [...] If you hide in the shadows, then the other side gets what they want. And you have to be out there and just show that you're here and you're not going anywhere."
Derek Mackenzie

A white poodle dog stand next to their owner, wearing a rainbow flag bandana
Murphy Woodhouse
/
Boise State Public Radio
Daisy May, Boise Pride ally, hair icon and all around good dog.
A close-up of white poodle Daisy May. The hair on the top of her hair is dyed blue and pink.
Murphy Woodhouse
/
Boise State Public Radio
"Everybody’s just being who they are. To be free and expressive and just in a safe space where nobody's gonna judge anybody for, like, how they look, who they are ... it's an amazing feeling, honestly.”
14-year-old Pat Combs

Attendees gather in the grass at Ann Morrison. Vendors tents are seen in the background.
Murphy Woodhouse
/
Boise State Public Radio
Pride organizers say this was the highest attended Boise Pride festival in recent memory.
"I am wearing a 'Free Mom Hugs' shirt for anyone who feels like maybe their family doesn't support them and just needs a hug from somebody who does."
Heather Combs, Pat’s mom.

A picture of a performance by Joshua Emara, from the perspective of the crowd
Murphy Woodhouse
/
Boise State Public Radio
Artist Joshua Emara performed on the main stage.
"Seeing the businesses that are here and representing that they're queer inclusive is really important."
Kyle Sparrow

Fancy Hagood on the main stage, playing the guitar.
Murphy Woodhouse
/
Boise State Public Radio
Fancy Hagood performed at the main stage over the weekend.
"Marginalized people have been beaten down by our political climate. And the least I can do is be there to support them and show them I love them and care for them.”
Mitch Enderle

Picture of a husky-shepherd dog wearing a rainbow bandana.
Murphy Woodhouse
/
Boise State Public Radio
Fashion forward Frida, Boise Pride attendee, is ready to be adopted.

Tags
News Boise Pride
Julie Luchetta
I joined Boise State Public Radio in 2022 as the Canyon County reporter through Report for America, to report on the growing Latino community in Idaho. I am very invested in listening to people’s different perspectives and I am very grateful to those who are willing to share their stories with me. It’s a privilege and I do not take it for granted.
See stories by Julie Luchetta
Murphy Woodhouse
As Boise State Public Radio's Mountain West News Bureau reporter, I try to leverage my past experience as a wildland firefighter to provide listeners with informed coverage of a number of key issues in wildland fire. I’m especially interested in efforts to improve the famously challenging and dangerous working conditions on the fireline.
See stories by Murphy Woodhouse

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