BOISE, IDAHO — A common theme in Storyfort at Treefort day 3 is being proud of being different and challenging prejudices. Panel discussions on race, sexual orientation, or more are diving into prejudice and the societal walls that separate us.
An "Activating Queer Spaces" panel at the Owyhee spoke to the importance of fostering safe spaces for LGBT youth among other topics.
"Building a community where kids feel safe and educating is my biggest thing. Um, oftentimes I run into people who have good intentions, but they just are unaware," said Lisa Hunter, K-12 Art Teacher, youth Gay Straight Alliance leader.
Festival organizers also aim to achieve this by introducing this year's first ever Dragfort, which includes activities where drag queens from Idaho and across the country come together to entertain and interact with the community.
"For people's different views, religious views, or social views, um, but we're not out to do any... mistreating anyone. We're really here to just do art and to entertain people. And that's really what it's about," said Steven Santos, a.k.a. Wendy Peppercorn, drag queen and Dragfort participant.
Another panel dove into a particular music genre's reception in Idaho. The panel, called "This Is Wack -- Why Isn't Idaho Hip Hop Taken Seriously?", dove into the history, culture, writing, narrative, and misconceptions surrounding modern hip-hop.
6 On Your Side's Madeline White will have the full story at 10 p.m. on Treefort day 3.
