BOISE, Idaho — Boise Pride, Idaho's largest Pride Festival, announced their theme for its September 2020 celebration.
The theme, called "Power in Progress," aims to represent the significance of events like the Black Lives Matter movement as well as "the power to be had in making progress as a community," according to a press release.
Boise Pride also seeks to listen to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) voices in the community as well, with goals to amplify all voices in LGBTQ+ and Allied communities. They aim to "advance the progress on social issues important to all in the queer community," according to a press release.
Boise Pride has announced they will be using the "Progress Flag" for its 2020 theme, which is an adaptation of the standard rainbow pride flag commonly associated with the LGBTQ+ community. The first widely-recognized modern flag, known as the "Philly flag," added the black and brown stripes to acknowledge BIPOC members of the community. The new flag adapts aspects from the old flag, adding the Trans pride flag colors of white, pink and blue along with black and brown in a forward-facing arrow design which signifies progress in the LGBTQ+ community.
"This is a small, symbolic gesture, and is a work in progress," Boise Pride said in a press release. "We recognize there is a lot of work to be done as a community, as individuals, as friends and family for our Black and Brown and trans communities."
Boise Pride has also updated their official logo with a color scheme consistent with this theme and message.
Boise Pride says they are moving forward with a virtual Pride celebration this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The events include a mixture of livestreaming music, drag performances and speaker segments, among other events. Efforts include Pride visuals around Boise, lighting the Capitol and encouraging local businesses to display their Pride.
Boise Pride is also working on small in-person events that follow public safety guidelines. Local food and beverage establishments are teaming up as well with food trucks and vendor booths. Information for these in-person efforts will be announced as details become available.
New events for the LGBTQ+ community in the summer and fall have also been announced. A series of "community listening events" will be held monthly in July, August and as a part of the rescheduled Pride Festival in September. These events will be held virtually, and are open to the community in partnership with BIPOC LGBTQ+ representative in Boise. The aim is to provide "a transparent forum to all on how to better [Boise Pride's] efforts." The dates for these events will be announced soon.
For more information on Boise Pride, you can click here to check out their website.
