Wednesday, April 1st, peaceful Idahoans took action.

Community members gathered at the Idaho State Capitol to request a meeting with Governor Brad Little-- to speak directly to the real harm caused when he signed HB 752 into law. HB 752 is a dangerous bill that criminalizes transgender people for merely existing in the bathroom that aligns with who they are. Under this law, a transgender person could face misdemeanor charges-- and even a felony for repeat "offenses"-- for doing something as basic as using a restroom.

We also demand that the Governor pledge to veto HB 822, a sweeping and extreme bill that targets young people and the adults who support them. Even with amendments, HB 822 threatens teachers, counselors, and doctors for something as simple as respecting a young person's pronouns-- even when their parents are supportive. In a stunning contradiction, lawmakers who claim to champion "parental rights" are now stripping parents of the ability to affirm and support their own children if those children are transgender.

These bills are not happening in isolation. This legislative session has been defined by a relentless wave of attacks on LGBTQ+ Idahoans. Lawmakers have limited public testimony, fast-tracked harmful legislation, and ignored the voices of the very people they were elected to serve.

So today a group of Idahoans made themselves impossible to ignore.

When we were told the Governor was "unavailable," we chose to wait. We held a peaceful sit in, exercising our fundamental right to be heard. In response, Idaho State Police arrested and booked several members of our community-- people who showed up with courage, conviction, and a commitment to nonviolence.

Now, we need your help.

We are raising funds to cover bail, bond, and legal fees for those who put their bodies on the line for justice. Every dollar goes toward supporting these individuals and ensuring they are not alone in facing the consequences of stand up for our community.

This is what solidarity looks like.

Please give what you can, share widely, and stand with those who refused to be silent.

Together, we will take care of our people-- and we will keep fighting for a future where everyone in Idaho can live with dignity, safety, and freedom.

In power.

UPDATE:

The generosity of community is extraordinary! We cannot thank you enough. Your support in body, in spirit, in financial donations means the world to us and to our trans community.

I am the Rev. Sara LaWall, one of the 9 who were arrested. Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will steward these funds. We will receive them from this Go Fund Me and then use them to reimburse those who posted our bail, cover our legal fees and any additional miscellaneous support for the arrestees.

Given your extraordinary generosity, we will use any remaining funds for direct support to our trans community who may need to relocate or who need extra help to remain in Idaho and stay safe. We will also use funds for any additional advocacy needed as these laws begin to take effect. If you have any questions, please reach out to me directly via our website www.boiseuu.org