LGBT Pride in Boise, ID

Well, we successfully made it through this past week of Boise Pride!  It was incredibly fun, Kris and I, along with other MCC members, worked the MCC booth at Pride this year. 

What a wonderful crowd!  I would estimate between 2,000 to 3,000 people or more showed up to fill our space in Ann Morrison Park on Saturday.  I was able to meet many new people and actually met up with some old friends that I hadn't seen in years!  There were Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Queer AND Straight people who came to enjoy the loving and accepting atmosphere that had been created by all different types of groups. 

The A.L.P.H.A. group who are deeply involved in HIV and AIDS education and assistance for people with the disease, were there doing anonymous testing for the HIV virus.  I was amazed because I hadn't been tested since 1994 when they would take a vial of blood and then give you a number, etc.  Back then it was a big event just to find out your status.  Now, they swab your mouth, give you an ID number, and within 20 min, you know your HIV status!  Thank God that science has come such a long way to make it as easy as taking a pregnancy test! (and for those who are nosey, I am neither HIV positive NOR pregnant, thank you very much!)

As with all Pride celebrations I have attended, there were things that could have been done or organized better, but all in all, the celebration went VERY well.  I hope that more organizations in the Treasure Valley can get together earlier, and that the Boise Pride organization will allow, other organizations participate and help organize the 2012 event.  Everyone would benefit from community cooperation and dedication to the real meaning of Pride... to celebrate our similarities and differences!

The Universe is Kind...