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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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  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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  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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  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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  Sharon Matthies Interview #1

  Lisa McClain and Rachel Taylor

  Sharon Matthies 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. Matthies 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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  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.