I marched in the first Boise Pride parade 32 years ago. It was terrifying. Skinheads lined the route. I was holding hands with several of my friends and I was shaking enough that my friend moved to the outside of our line so I had some protection from the taunting. I really thought I was braver than that at the time, but the hate was so shocking to me. I had never experienced anything like it. Ultimately, when we gathered on the Grove, there was so much more love than hate. It healed my heart. But when I see couples together or attend public Pride events, there’s still a part of me that panics and prays for safety. I so vividly remember my gay friends having to hide. I’m thankful Idaho kids today have strong role models and more and more safe spaces to celebrate themselves — because I remember what it was like when they didn’t. So thank you to everyone attending, participating in, or supporting Pride events in District 26 and across Idaho this month. It touches more lives than you kn...