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  Ann Dunkin

  Rachel Taylor

  Ann Dunkin shares her experiences as a queer activist in Boise, Idaho, during the 1980s and early 1990s. She recounts moving from a larger, diverse city to Boise, where she quickly became involved in LGBTQ activism, helping to organize Boise’s first Pride parade in 1990. Dunkin describes the challenges of fostering a tight-knit community in a conservative environment and highlights the roles of local organizations, safe spaces, and allies, including PFLAG and MCC. Her story illustrates the resilience and unity within Boise’s LGBTQ community during a transformative time in its history.

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  Anonymous Gay Boise Female, Interview #1

  Lisa McClain and Rachel Taylor

  This interviewee reflects on her experiences within Idaho’s LGBTQ community from the 1970s onward. She discusses the social and political landscape for gay individuals during this period, describing LGBTQ+ organizations, such as Your Family Friends and Neighbors (YFFN); LGBTQ+ publications such as The Paper and Diversity; LGBTQ+ political activism, such as the No On One Campaign; and early safe spaces like the Metropolitan Community Church. She openly addresses challenges faced, especially her personal journey toward acceptance of her sexual orientation and family, religious, an social prejudices in Idaho. She also addresses the influence of the Boys of Boise scandal on the local LGBTQ population, and details the development of inclusive spaces and events. Her story highlights the role of community building, religious tension, political activism, and evolving social dynamics within Boise’s LGBTQ history.

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  Anonymous Gay Boise Female, Interview #2

  Lisa McClain and Niamh Winters

  In her second Oral History interview with the Idaho LGBTQ+ Oral History Project Part 2, longtime activist this person discusses sexism within Idaho’s LGBTQ+ community, highlighting tensions between gay men and lesbian women from the 1970s through the present. The interviewee details her experiences on nonprofit boards, at social events, and during the Prop One campaign, describing frequent marginalization of women’s voices, leadership, and concerns—even within queer spaces. She contrasts supportive male allies with dominant personalities and explores how language, performance, and gendered expectations shape queer culture. The interview offers vital insights into internal inequalities and the shifting dynamics of LGBTQ+ community life across generations.

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  Anonymous Non-Binary Idahoan

  Seth Budd and Lisa McClain

  In this engaging oral history—a non-binary, queer student at Boise State—reflects on their lived experience navigating identity, advocacy, and community in Idaho. They discuss the challenges of growing up in North Idaho, contrasts queer visibility in Boise and Portland, and recounts efforts to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion in campus housing, orientation, and student life. They share insights into intergenerational queer connections, the importance of preserving LGBTQ+ history, and the impact of polarization and anti-trans legislation. They emphasize the power of small actions, digital networks, and collective care in sustaining queer resilience and community today.

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  Bonnie Violet Quintana

  Lisa McClain, Seth Budd, and Micah Hetherington

  In this powerful interview, Bonnie Violet Quintana reflects on her journey as a transgender, queer chaplain, activist, and artist who has long been involved in LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS advocacy in Idaho and beyond. She shares how transitioning brought clarity, joy, and spiritual renewal, even as it created distance with her family. Quintana recounts founding Trans Joy Boise, organizing Idaho’s first large-scale Trans March, and integrating drag, spirituality, and community-building into her public work. Her story highlights resilience, faith, and the importance of chosen family, offering a vision of joyful authenticity and healing for queer and trans people in red-state America.

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  Brenda Boyle

  Lisa McClain

  Brenda Boyle explores her journey as a lesbian, educator, and community advocate in Idaho. Born in Driggs and raised in Rigby, Brenda reflects on her deep roots in rural Idaho and her work on LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion. Now a resident of Boise, Boyle discusses her dual roles as a high school teacher and pharmacy technician program founder at Mountain Home High School in Mountain Home, ID, emphasizing her commitment to supporting students and addressing rural healthcare gaps. Brenda shares her insights on becoming a parent, navigating identity in conservative spaces, her involvement in LGBTQ+ activism during Prop 1, and the profound connections she maintains with Idaho's natural landscapes and LGBTQ+ community networks.

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  Chelsea Blanchard and Wendy Blanchard

  Lisa McClain and Niamh Winters

  This oral history captures the shared journey of Chelsea and Wendy Blanchard, a married lesbian couple, as they navigate life in Idaho and the broader Intermountain West. They reflect on their experiences of LGBTQ+ identity, community, and visibility in conservative spaces. The couple contrasts life in Idaho and Utah, discussing the challenges of growing up in deeply religious environments, the differing queer spaces in both states, and how community dynamics shape personal safety and political awareness. Their narrative highlights themes of resilience, intersectionality, and the importance of fostering inclusion within smaller, tight-knit communities.

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  Donna Harwood

  Lisa McClain and Seth Budd

  Activist Donna Harwood, a bi-gender, asexual advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Idaho, reflects on her journey of self-discovery, decades of LGBTQ+ activism, struggles with disability, and complex relationship with spirituality after leaving the Christian church. She recounts her coming-out process, the challenges of navigating conservative religious spaces, and the importance of LGBTQ+ youth support.

  As the founder of Lions Pride, Donna played a crucial role in connecting and unifying Idaho’s LGBTQ+ community. Originally launched as a mailing list to share event information across the state, Lions Pride grew into a broader organization supporting LGBTQ+ individuals through advocacy, networking, and social events across five states. It also expanded into Lions Pride Cubs, which provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth, organizing dances, conferences, and leadership opportunities for young people across Idaho.

  The interview also explores Donna’s advocacy for marriage equality and religious freedom, including her support for the legalization of polygamy.

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  Doug Flanders (a.k.a. Martini)

  Lisa McClain

  Doug Flanders reflects on his journey as a prominent figure in Boise’s LGBTQ community, focusing on his career in drag as Martini and his involvement with the Imperial Gem Court of Idaho. He discusses the evolution of drag culture, the challenges and rewards of activism, and his role in establishing inclusive LGBTQ spaces through performances, charity work, and community outreach. Flanders’ account highlights the intersection of art, activism, and resilience in creating a more inclusive Idaho, showcasing decades of dedication to fostering acceptance and unity within Boise's queer community.

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  Interview about Rev. Robert "Bob" Spencer with Archdeacon of the Episcopal Diocese of Idaho Eileen O'Shea, Rev. Haydie LeCorbellier, Anne LoPiccalo, and Scotti Brownley

  Lisa McClain

  Robert “Bob” Spencer, a gay Episcopal priest, had begun the Oral History Interview process when he unfortunately passed away during the COVID epidemic before we could record his interview. Spencer served as priest at Holy Trinity-St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Pocatello, ID, and Holy Redeemer Episcopal Church in Salmon, ID, and as a hospital chaplain in Pocatello, ID, and Idaho Falls, ID, in the 1980s and 1990s. Spencer was never out as a gay man to the congregations he served in these years. He came out publicly following his retirement to Boise, ID. This interview focuses on Spencer’s legacy and impact on the Episcopal Church in Idaho as remembered by four of his former parishioners who knew him and his work well. Spencer is recalled for his progressive approach, compassionate ministry, and for being a quiet yet significant figure in Idaho’s LGBTQ and Episcopal communities during a time when being openly gay in religious spaces was rare. His thoughtful support of LGBTQ congregants and his role in fostering inclusivity within the church left a lasting impact on those around him. These reflections honor Spencer's life as a dedicated priest whose influence extended well beyond his ministry, resonating within both his faith community and the broader movement for LGBTQ acceptance in Idaho.

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  Nancy Armstrong and E. J. Zita

  Lisa McClain

  Longtime partners Nancy Armstrong and Dr. E.J. Zita reflect on their lives as a lesbian couple rooted in rural Idaho. Armstrong, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and nurse practitioner, and Zita, a physicist and former elected official, share their journeys through military service, activism, and queer community building. They discuss preserving the 125-year-old Armstrong-Zita Ranch, negotiating LDS Church norms, and navigating neighbors, community, and visibility in politically conservative Idaho. Their story blends family legacy, public service, and LGBTQ advocacy, offering a powerful testament to resilience, rural pride, and love grounded in place.

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  Ned Brewer, Part 1 of 2

  Lisa McClain and Rachel Taylor

  Part one (Feb 7, 2022) of a two-part interview with Ned Brewer: offers an in-depth look at LGBTQ life and community in Boise from the mid-20th century to the present. Born in Boise, Brewer recounts his experiences growing up as a gay man in Idaho, touching on family history, the impact of the Boys of Boise scandal, and his struggles with acceptance in both religious and public life. He also discusses his involvement with LGBTQ advocacy, bar culture, and the Idaho AIDS Foundation, highlighting the evolution of Boise’s gay community and the challenges faced in creating safe, affirming spaces.

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  Ned Brewer, Part 2 of 2

  Lisa McClain and Rachel Taylor

  Part two (Feb 25, 2022) of a two-part interview with Ned Brewer: offers an in-depth look at LGBTQ life and community in Boise from the mid-20th century to the present. Born in Boise, Brewer recounts his experiences growing up as a gay man in Idaho, touching on family history, the impact of the Boys of Boise scandal, and his struggles with acceptance in both religious and public life. He also discusses his involvement with LGBTQ advocacy, bar culture, and the Idaho AIDS Foundation, highlighting the evolution of Boise’s gay community and the challenges faced in creating safe, affirming spaces.

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  Russ Centanni

  Lisa McClain

  Dr. Russ Centanni discusses his involvement with Idaho's early HIV/AIDS response as a founding board member of the AIDS Foundation of Idaho in the mid-1980s. As a Boise State University biology professor specializing in immunology and infectious diseases (1973-2004), Centanni played a crucial role in public education efforts across southern Idaho. He details the challenges of fighting stigma, developing school curricula, and providing community outreach through churches and local establishments. The interview offers valuable insights into Idaho's medical and social response to the AIDS crisis during a pivotal historical period.

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  Susan Randall

  Lisa McClain and Micah Hetherington

  Susan Randall is a filmmaker, activist, and rural LGBTQ+ community builder in Idaho. Born in Texas and raised in Connecticut, Randall moved to Idaho in her late teens, where she pursued a life of activism, creative expression, and fostering inclusive spaces. She reflects on her work producing documentaries, including Voices in Exile: Stories of Lesbian Mormons; her experiences as a bisexual woman navigating identity; and her role in creating a women-centered, LGBTQ+-inclusive rural community on shared land. The interview highlights her insights on gender, sexuality, and sustaining a sense of belonging in a predominantly conservative region.

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  Tara Rowe

  Lisa McClain and Micah Hetherington

  Tara Rowe, a lesbian historian from Twin Falls, Idaho, shares her experiences navigating rural life as a queer, disabled woman. Raised in an LDS (Mormon) family, Rowe discusses the challenges and acceptance she encountered in both conservative and progressive communities across Idaho, including her late coming out and subsequent activism. She reflects on community-building, changes in LGBTQ acceptance, and the intersection of disability and queer identity. Rowe’s story underscores both the isolation and resilience found in Idaho's small-town queer communities, shaped by complex layers of social, cultural, and religious dynamics.