Dear Friends,
Tuesday, the Twin Falls newspaper, the Times News, published an editorial looking at the great accomplishment that was the first Magic Valley Pride Week. They also contrast Pride Week with the events of our film, 1955 Boise morals drive, and look at the tremendous progress since then. READ THE WHOLE EDITORIAL.
In the editorial, the writer highlights some of the changes and signs of progress we’ve seen in the past 54 years. Here are some excerpts:
Is Idaho finally putting gay-bashing demons to rest?
For anyone who’s spent a lifetime in Idaho, the contrast between this community’s peaceable reception to Twin Falls’ first-ever gay Pride Week and the 1955 “Boys of Boise” scandal couldn’t be more stark.
Simply put, Idaho has come a long way…
Fifty-four years ago, a sweeping investigation of a supposed “homosexual underground” shook the state’s capital to its foundation, attracted national attention to Idaho and set new standards for hysteria…
Almost every flaw in human nature was on display in Boise during the fall of 1955. The Idaho Statesman, then as now the state’s biggest newspaper, waged a virulent editorial campaign against the alleged homosexual menace before eventually moderating its tone…
…It’s worth noting that it was only two years ago that the Twin Falls Western Days Committee flatly refused a local gay, lesbian and transgender group’s efforts to participate in the annual parade. But last month, the same group was helping out with the event in City Park.
The best explanation for the change is that the Gem State’s traditional live-and-let-live attitude toward neighbors who are different is finally extending to homosexuals. Fact is, tens of thousands of Idahoans – mostly conservative, Republican Christians – have a son, daughter, sister, brother, parent, cousin, uncle, aunt, grandparent or friend who is gay. These Idahoans know first hand that their homosexual loved ones are decent, law-abiding, tax-paying citizens who don’t seek to impose their lifestyles on anyone. — TWIN FALLS TIMES-NEWS
The editorial has some great insights, be sure to check it out! The Pride organizers are certainly to be commended for putting together a week of peaceful, positive events designed to build bridges.
While you’re at the Times-News website, you can check out the story they did on THE FALL OF ‘55 and the Pride Week Candlelight Vigil HERE.
Talk soon,
Seth