‘Laws Cannot Erase Us’: Idaho LGBTQ+ Community Commemorates 10 Years Since Add the Words Hearing
**A Decade of Struggle and Resilience**
Hundreds gathered at the Idaho State Capitol this week, talking about ten years since the state’s first “Add the Words” bill hearing. This proposal aimed to include sexual orientation and gender identity in Idaho’s Human Rights Act, offering critical employment, public accommodation, and housing protections for the LGBTQ+ community in the region. Despite significant advocacy efforts spanning over 20 years, legislative progress remains elusive.
“Laws cannot erase us,” asserted Nikson Mathews, an advocate with the Add the Words campaign. “This event is about our legacy. It’s a reminder that we’re still here and building a future rooted in care, dignity, and justice.” For Mathews and many others, this anniversary is both a celebration of resilience and a call to action against recent legislative developments perceived as discriminatory by many within the community.
**Historic Legislative Efforts and Roadblocks**
The fight for equality under Idaho law has been a long and arduous journey for the state’s LGBTQ+ residents. In 2015, LGBTQ+ advocates managed to secure a public hearing for the “Add the Words” bill in the state legislature, marking a historic moment in their campaign. However, despite widespread community support, the bill did not progress after the hearing.
Since that time, these advocates have encountered repeated legislative obstacles. Idaho’s Republican-majority legislature has consistently blocked similar hearings and has enacted several laws perceived as limiting to LGBTQ+ rights. Notably, a 2023 law banned doctors from prescribing gender-affirming care to minors, and a 2024 law restricted government employees from using non-biological pronouns.
Most contentious recently is the Idaho House’s vote to petition the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the 2015 decision on same-sex marriage, a move that Matthews heavily criticized. These laws, as Mathews explained, are seen by many as “designed to control, discriminate and erase us.”
**Local Impact: Community Response and Support**
In a region where diverse perspectives intertwine, the ongoing legislative stalemate has a marked local impact. Many Idaho residents feel that without statewide non-discrimination protections, the risk of marginalization looms large for LGBTQ+ individuals. This is particularly significant given Idaho remains one of the 18 states without these critical protections, as highlighted by the Movement Advancement Project.
However, community efforts to foster inclusivity persist. Chelsea Gaona-Lincoln, Executive Director of Add the Words, emphasized that while legislative victories have been sparse, the community has long found strength in mutual support. “We’ve never gotten the damn thing we needed from this building, except for each other,” she told attendees during the commemoration.
**Ongoing Struggles and Potential Future Directions**
Even as efforts continue, Idaho Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow introduced a personal bill to enshrine LGBTQ+ protections into state law earlier this month, knowing such bills rarely advance. For advocates, while these measures often serve to make a statement, they also underscore an unwavering commitment to equality and justice.
Despite recent setbacks, Idaho’s LGBTQ+ community remains poised to tackle upcoming challenges. This resilience could eventually inspire shifts not only in local legislation but potentially influence broader national trends in LGBTQ+ rights advocacy.
**Engaging the Community: Resources and Voices**
For many in Idaho, staying informed and involved remains critical. Local residents interested in understanding the legislative impact and advocacy efforts can explore resources at Add the Words or attend community forums often held across the state.
In conclusion, while the path to equality in Idaho faces continued legislative hurdles, the strength and solidarity of the LGBTQ+ community are unmistakable. It’s a testament to their enduring belief that, despite efforts to marginalize, laws cannot erase the identities and lives of those they aim to represent. As this anniversary underscores, the fight for inclusivity and acceptance is far from over but rooted in hope and determination shared among all residents.
For more information on events and how to support local advocacy initiatives, community members are encouraged to visit the Add the Words website or contact local LGBTQ+ organizations actively engaged in fostering change.
