🚨 Policing Pride: Trans Bodies, Religious Trauma & Resilience in Canyon County with Trans Parent & Organizer Van

TRANS JOY BOISE

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In this heartwarming and hilariously real episode of the Trans Joy Boise Podcast, your hosts Bonnie Violet (trans femme genderqueer drag artist and spiritual chaplain) and Pacey (trans masc non-binary mental health and recovery advocate) are joined by Van, Vice President of Canyon County Pride and a powerful genderqueer voice in Idaho’s LGBTQ2SIA+ movement.

Together, we unpack everyday gender euphoria and dysphoria—from awkward “sir/ma’am” moments at the grocery store to the joy of being seen, heard, and affirmed exactly as we are. We dive into:

🌈 Nonbinary + genderqueer identity in small towns
🌈 What happens when a cisgender world tries to fit us in binary boxes
🌈 Our complicated relationships with pronouns and titles
🌈 Reflecting on trans media representation—Transparent, Queer as Folk, and Sort Of

Part TWO

In this powerful and deeply personal part of the episode, we dive into the heart of queer organizing in conservative spaces—specifically Canyon County, Idaho. Our guest shares their transformative journey from volunteering at Clutch, a queer youth group in Nampa, to co-creating the very first Canyon County Pride Festival—an event that defied local pushback, overcame hate, and welcomed nearly 4,000 people in its first year.

We explore what makes Clutch such a vital space for LGBTQ2SIA+ youth, particularly autistic and ADHD kids, who are invited to just “come as you are”—no pressure, just food, fun, and love. You’ll hear stories of chosen family, queer joy, community resistance, and how a casual dream turned into a national headline.

Whether you're a parent of a trans kid, a queer youth worker, or someone trying to spark joy and resistance in your own backyard, this episode is for you. It’s a testament to what’s possible when we show up for each other—especially in the places where we’re told we don’t belong.

Part Three

This raw, unfiltered conversation dives deep into the escalating criminalization of trans and gender-diverse bodies in Idaho and the real-life impact of recent "indecency" laws targeting drag performers and trans women. We unpack how Canyon County’s new legislation disproportionately affects trans folks—particularly those on HRT or wearing prosthetics—and how these laws empower vigilante surveillance and vague police enforcement.

We share insights from behind closed doors with local law enforcement and city officials, shedding light on the sobering reality of organizing pride events under state-sanctioned transphobia. From police negotiations to ICE fears, from enforcing a t-shirt policy to protect our most vulnerable to planning an interfaith spiritual service in response to religious-based hate—this episode doesn’t shy away from the messiness of showing up, surviving, and creating queer joy amidst political hostility.

You'll also hear about how last year's Canyon County Pride became a site of unexpected healing and solidarity—especially from progressive faith communities and everyday people showing up with umbrellas and love.

🗓️ Pride Info Drop:
Canyon County Pride is happening

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