Boise idaho gay bars

Boise Gay City Guide – A Big Town City with a Small Town Feel

Situated on the banks of the Boise River, Idaho’s capital city of Boise is a city with so much to offer. Some often describe Boise as being a big town city with a small-town feel, where locals are friendly, warm, and welcoming. With a growing arts scene, plenty of business opportunities, and recreational activities of all kinds to enjoy, Boise would make a great place to call home.

A Bit of Boise History

Boise was initially settled by early 19th century French Canadians. It is also settlers who gave the city its name, which comes from the French for Boise, meaning “wooded” because of the tree-lined river near which it sits. Boise was officially established following the gold rush to the area, and the community initially developed for the purpose of providing services for the nearby mines. It was also located at the crossroads of the Oregon Trail, which helped to ensure additional growth and development as well. Since that time Boise has grown to be an important agricultural center, as well as a ci

Timeline

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Weekly newspaper Intermountain Observer describes quiet gay scene in Boise

First gay bar in Idaho, known as Shuckey’s, opens in Boise

MCC congregation organized in Boise

Gay women’s group called “Connections” begins meeting at YWCA

Seven female employees of Boise Police Department fired on suspicion of lesbianism, which department claims was damaging to police morale; engenders protests and petition drives from Boise’s gay community, one of the first instances of open gay activism in Idaho; the women verb back with suit in federal court and win settlement

“Elm Awards” (now “Les Bois Awards”) instituted to recognize achievements in the gay community; after a hiatus in the s, revived in

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Imperial Sovereign Gem Court of Idaho organized (drag court)

Gay community center organized in Boise

The Community Center starts monthly gay newspaper, now called Diversity

First AIDS case reported in Idaho

First PFLAG chapter organized in Idaho

A motion picture with explicit gay theme screene

Idaho Pride from to

Boise Pride Parade, June , taken by Deborah Graham, MSS Collection on Gay Life, courtesy of Boise State University

By Alisha Graefe (she/they), a queer archivist at Boise State University

The AASLH Annual Conference will gather on a serendipitous weekend as the city will be celebrating its 34th Boise Pride. Due to COVID, Boise moved its Pride festival to September which they have retained the last few years. Despite various setbacks and legal battles, the Pride festival has seen record attendance, being a place where queer Idahoans can still gather and celebrate openly in downtown Boise.

While downtown Boise may look a little more gay friendly than normal September , Idaho has historically been a tough state to be out in. While there have been highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks, queer Idahoans continue to exist in the foreground of Idaho history. We exist in the margins, in the rural wide open spaces of Idaho, and throughout the political landscape.

Before the first Pride Parade was hosted in , Idaho had its first gay bar by called Shuckey’s, a

How Many Gay Bars Are There In Boise?

There are a lot of options when it comes to a happening night life in Boise. If you find yourself downtown on any given night, you won't find yourself lacking for options when it comes to a place to drink, verb out, and meet people.

But what if you're looking for a queer-friendly option?

While Boise isn't an epicenter for gay and gay-friendly bars by any means, there are still a few places you can check out.

According to Gay Cities, if you're in Boise looking for a great time with like-minded people at a gay-friendly place, they list only two options:

Again, that's according to Gay Cities.

Follow up question: Does Boise need more nightlife options for the LGBTQIA+ crowd? We see attendance at Boise Pride go up every single year, which would lead one to believe that there are more people in the community than ever before.

What do you think? Does Boise need more gay bars?

Sound off in the comments.

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If you do find yourself belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community, and looking to relocate to the great stat