No Kings

I wanted to take a moment after several politically charged posts on my blog, following an unfortunate experience, and end on a high note before I take a bit of a break from posting.

Two weeks to the day from experiencing a homophobic comment in Boise, I watched as the city turned out in record numbers and was even featured in the New York Times feature image on the nationwide protests. I wrote some recent pieces which were very much critical of the complacent attitudes many held towards antagonizers there, notably the neighbors I spoke to and the folks at the LGBTQ bar. That’s not what I witnessed today. I also shared my story in support of those organizing on the city’s subreddit and was met with overwhelmingly positive responses and even many private messages of support. That’s why I deleted much of my criticism, which I acknowledge came from a place of anger and frustration.

When something shocking and traumatic happens, there is a process of grief, and anger is apart of that process inevitably. I was very much upset at the experience I had, and I allowed that woman’s comments to ruin the rest of my stay in the city. I was just on guard and defensive for the rest of my time there. I felt very alone and isolated, and I was unable to really appreciate the scenic beauty and all the reasons I travelled there between my stay with a friend in Sun Valley. The more I thought about the incident, the more I saw red. The more I saw red, the more I just felt like I had to lash out at a place which could allow that to happen. But it’s not the fault of any place, no more than if it happened here on the streets of Los Angeles. In my state of anger, I couldn’t let it go.

Seeing the city turn out today, peacefully and in huge numbers, put my mind at ease and allowed me to let go of that simmering rage. I understand why people told me to ignore it when it happened, they were not wrong. I shouldn’t allow someone’s ignorance to ruin my time but grief is a process. I have learned more about on-the-ground resistance there and I am confident they will continue to keep what they call “the potato taliban” at bay. I will return to the city for Pride next year and make sure to reach out to those in the community who were so gracious and kind in their response to my post. I was saddened to learn while there and after online just how many people have been the subject of similar harassment for no good reason at all. They don’t want that hatred to define their city, or their state.

Trump and his fascist acolytes have polarized America and the Treasure Valley, where Boise is located, is just a microcosm of that. Numerous right-wing political refugees have moved to the area and brought their intolerance with them. It was refreshing to hear from so many born and raised Idahoans describe that while their state was always red, it was much more libertarian and there were times when people worked together. What we are witnessing across these United States is an emboldened hateful fascist movement that seeks to divide and sow discord. This isn’t about red v. blue, it’s about right and wrong. I firmly believe that the righteous will prevail, in Boise as in America.

That’s it from me for a while as I get down to business on my novel following my vacation. I will be back to Idaho again, and not let any incident or asshole define for me what is such an incredibly beautiful state comprised of people who very much wish to push back on that growing negative reputation.