Boise Mayor Emotional Over Pride Flag Removal
Boise witnessed a poignant moment as drag queens and transgender individuals gathered at the Capitol after Idaho officials mandated the removal of Pride flags on Transgender Visibility Day. Mayor Lauren MacLean was visibly emotional while delivering a proclamation related to the day to about 60 attendees during a City Council meeting.
“Let me be clear: Boise’s values have not changed and are not defined by a single action taken in the state Legislature,” MacLean stated, underscoring the city’s stance amidst a contentious battle between state and local authorities.
The flag’s removal from City Hall marked the culmination of this dispute, with the mayor expressing concern about divisions being sown in the community. “Many people in this state and across the country are trying to divide us. They are targeting the most vulnerable among us,” she continued. “I want everyone in this room to know that I see you. We see you. You are a valuable, important part of our community.”
Those present included notable figures such as Preston Pace from the advocacy group Trans Joy Boise and Alia Shay, founder of Trans Affirm, along with various city council members. They shared their outrage at Republican Governor Brad Little, who had chosen this specific day to sign a bill that bans individuals from using restrooms designated for the opposite gender in public facilities, claiming it was meant to protect women and girls.
Initially, MacLean had resisted removing the flag. However, she reconsidered after a law was enacted that imposed hefty fines for non-compliance. “Because this law includes significant penalties and Boise taxpayers would be liable for those, I made the decision to take down the city’s official pride flag,” MacLean explained. Still, she reiterated the unchanged values of Boise.
On Transgender Visibility Day, attendees also enjoyed performances from genderqueer musicians and drag queens outside the Parliament House, celebrating the occasion despite the backdrop of controversy. Representative Ted Hill, who sponsored the restroom bill, noted it was a direct reaction to MacLean’s refusal to comply with the flag order.
In a statement to the public, McLean mentioned that officials are exploring avenues to challenge the law and to potentially reinstate the Pride flag, although legal experts believe the law is likely to hold firm.
In a show of solidarity later that evening, City Hall was illuminated in the colors of the transgender flag.
