Check out the photos we took at Pride! We had such a fantastic time out this year. Not all of these photos made it into the magazine, so be sure to share with your friends and family!
Photos courtesy Paul Budge: Budge Photography
Boise AIDS Walk: A look into the inaugural event of the year
by Ezikiel Coy
The Boise AIDS Walk was the first of its kind in Idaho. Not only was it successful, but the organizer of the event had never done something of this magnitude. Against tall odds and tight deadlines, he was able to overcome and start a new yearly event highlighting the spirit of Idahoans; to care about each other, and to survive great obstacles. I interviewed Jerry Nabarrete-Stuart to better understand the effort and passion that goes into creating a charity benefit. Looking deeper into the world of charity benefits, I found that this was the first family friendly charity to take place for the benefit of those living with HIV/AIDS.
The Imperial Sovereign Gem Court of Idaho has three charities that they support through their various bar and benefit organization: The Jimmy Moore Fund, The Jerry Swett Fund, and P&P Food Pantry. According to the official by lines, the organizations provide fund for medical care, living expenses and travel, and food for people who live with AIDS. Because of the resounding success of benefits throughout the year, the funds are available to many local Idahoans who desperately need them in order to maintain their health and home. The Boise AIDS Walk raised over $1400.00 for these programs with the help of the Imperial Sovereign Gem Court of Idaho, Allies Linked for the Prevention of HIV and AIDS (A.L.P.H.A), and Centro de Communidad y Justica (CCJ). All of these 501(c)(3) organizations contributed to putting together the nearly $600.00 required in fees, license, insurance, and paperwork necessary to see an event such as this take place.
Like many great ideas, this event was born from a very personal moment. When asked about his motivation to give back to the HIV/AIDS positive people of Idaho, Jerry said that, “seeing there was a need to help those living with HIV/AIDS, and teaming up with the gem court provided an amazing opportunity.” I pressed a bit harder, because I could feel that there was a deeper need to help others hiding underneath his humble exterior.
“Just having a close friend that is going through this daily, and recognizing need that we still need awareness for this, while at the same time helping those living with this. It not only affects those with it but the entire community. We are all a family that needs support from one another. It’s important to let them and the community know that there is a support network and there are those that do want to help.” – Jerry Nabarrete-Stuart
I have no doubt that we all know at least one HIV+ person. Understanding that there are those in our community still afraid to reach out and find a caring soul to connect with because of the stigma and prejudice behind our assumption of what it means to be positive. A wonderful side effect of this event is that it wasn’t just hidden away in a bar, or surrounded by the usual bar-going crowd. This was the first family friendly HIV/AIDS benefit to take place in Boise. Conversations of what it means to be positive were being had around another generation of people who will grow up and realize, just as the organizer of the event said, “everyone should be loved despite being positive or not.”
That is a powerful message that the future Boise AIDS Walk will continue to bring to the warm light of day. Luckily, with the support of the Flying M Coffee House, The I.S.G.C.I., A.L.P.H.A., and CCJ, the future events should be bigger and even less expensive to produce so that more awareness gets to help those in our community who are struggling, and suffering. They are all organizations that hope to make the world a more open, inviting, understanding place where those who need help from the community can get it without judgement or fear of repercussion.
Next year’s Boise AIDS Walk is planned for the Saturday before Pride, but don’t let that long timeline fool you. People are working hard year round to make sure that the issues facing the gay community are not swept under the rug. If you’re looking to volunteer your time and energy into a great cause, getting in contact with any of the organizations below can make a huge difference in so many lives. All of their websites are provided for our readers. We invite each one of you to reach out and help our local community to become a better place for all.
For more information about the three charity funds, including application information, please visit the ISGCI website: http://idahogemcourt.org
Information about A.L.P.H.A. and their HIV testing services can be found here: http://www.alphaidaho.org
CCJ and their mission can be better understood at their website: http://www.comunidadyjusticiaidaho.org
Our July Edition!
What a month! Boise’s Pride celebration was much bigger than ever this year! And with so many events, it was hard to keep up. Add to that, today’s Supreme Court Ruling in favor of same-sex marriage for the entire country, and we have to say, that we’re heading into July with SO many reasons to celebrate.
We hope you enjoy our latest issue!
Get caught up!
Make sure to check out every issue of OutBoise Magazine! To-date, we’ve published 10 fantastic issues of our magazine – Including a special “Best Of” issue when we hit our 6th issue! Continue reading
UPDATE: Our first print production
Our print production of OutBoise Magazine was not only a milestone for us, it has been a huge success in the community. Within 10 days, we are already almost completely out of the over 1,000 copies we ordered for distribution around the community.
While a majority of our distribution remained in Boise, we were able to distribute in Nampa and Pocatello, as well.
We had several people jump in to help us make the distribution happen, and we can truly say this issue of our magazine has been our best. We hope we can continue to bring you a high-quality product in the future!
If you have any questions or comments, please let us know! Email us at info@outboise.com
Pride Entertainment Lineup: Rebecca Scott
Rebecca Scott has been performing her unique brand of folk-rock in the Northwest for over 20 years. For the seventh straight year, Rebecca was named Best Singer for 2011 in the Boise Weekly’s coveted Best of Boise Readers’ Choice Awards. And for 11 years running, she was also voted in the top three for Best Local Musician (winning in 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005 & 2004), and earned 2nd place for Best Band behind national act Built To Spill. In December of 2003, Rebecca was named the top “Mover & Shaker” in Boise entertainment by the Idaho Statesman’s Thrive Magazine. Rebecca performs as a solo, duo, trio or full band, always providing high energy and feel good music for people of all ages.
She has recorded three all-original studio albums.
The first album, Wave To The Elephants, received national attention when the song Diggin a Path was used in an MTV movie soundtrack “The Anatomy Of A Hate Crime: The Matthew Sheppard Story” as well as the television show “Good vs. Evil”. Her second album, United, was acclaimed when Billboard Magazine named her one in six of the country s top unsigned bands of 1999. The third release, The Game, was Rebecca’s first self-produced endeavor, completed at Little House Recordings with Ben Burdick. Her fourth release, Can’t Get It Out Of My Head (2003), is a live compilation of her previously recorded original material plus two new cuts. And last but not least, her 2010 CD, By Request, features cover songs that have been requested the most by her audiences.
During her musical career, Rebecca has had the opportunity to perform with Candy Coburn, Jonatha Brooke, Shawn Colvin, and with Dar Williams and other artists at Lilith Fair and other NW music festivals. The band recently shared billing with Keb Mo, Cowboy Junkies, Dishwalla, Shelby Lynne, Curtis Stigers, Melissa Ferrick and Garrison Starr.
Rebecca and her band are currently in the recording studio working on her sixth album.
Pride Entertainment Lieup: Blaze & Kelly
Singer /songwriter, Niccole Blaze and her bassist, Mo Kelly draw an audience with their compelling lyrics and angelic harmonies that can break your heart or put it back together again. Touted Boise’s own “Indigo Girls” these ladies will woo you with their gracious stage presence and comedic banter.
Hailing from Boise Idaho these girls bring a rich and real flavor of original tunes that span 4 CD’s in the last decade. Crossing genres from acoustic folk, to country, blues, jazz and raw edge rock these dynamic women fill up the stage with on the fly acoustic leads and unique guitar tapping styles that leave their audience spellbound.
Their acoustic style has lead them to open for such great acts as, Crosby Stills and Nash, Shawn Colvin, Toni Childs, the Greencards, the Weepies and many more.
Playing with special guest Rochelle Smith opens the musical palette further by adding 3 part harmonies, mandolin and beat box. They are well received for their original tunes but also cover songs ranging from Patsy Cline to Pink Floyd. Sure to start a “Blaze” in your heart, their show is one you don’t want to miss.
Feel free to check out their website www.blazeandkelly.com or hear sound samples at www.reverbnation.com/blazeandkelly as they have been ranked in the top 10% nationally on the folk charts!
Pride Entertainment Lineup: Dirty Looks
Hailing from Portland, OR, Dirty Looks brings female and queer fronted realness to the stage with their unique Indie Dance/Pop sound. Having just released their debut album, Only Have Eyes for New, Dirty Looks is looking forward to touring their music around the Pacific Northwest this summer. Local PDX music blog, Musicboots, says, “At times seductive as all get out, Dirty Looks are quick to twist it up and show themselves to be a playful, good-time-havin’ fivesome that want you moving & shaking as much as they are. It’s their casual yet effectual blurring of soul, pop, alt country, and funk that truly turn the crowds on, and it results in a catchy brand of music that breaks the mold with a bang. Live, Dirty Looks is equal parts timeless and innovative, not to mention undeniably irresistible, through and through.” Check them out online at www.givemedirtylooks.com.
Pride Week Movie Night—Waiting in the Wings: The Musical
Brought to you by the Boise Gay Men’s Chorus as part of Boise’s Pride celebration!
WHEN: Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at 7:00 pm
WHERE: The Flicks Theatre
646 Fulton Street
Boise ID 83702
COST: $10 general admission, plus applicable fees
For tickets contact The Flicks box office at (208) 342-4222 or your nearest BGMC member!
For more information visit http://www.boisegaymenschorus.com
This heartwarming LGBT musical comedy we have in store explores how far one goes to make a dream a reality with a cast of characters that prove, “there’s no people like show people.”
Waiting In The Wings: The Musical is a feature film where two entertainers, destined for the big time, are mismatched in a casting office from two very different online contests. Tony, a stripper from New York, is cast in an Off-Broadway musical and needs to trade in his tear-away trunks for tap shoes and tights. Anthony, a naive musical theatre enthusiast from Montana, needs to decide if he can strip all the way down just to stay in town. Hilarity ensues as they realize that “to make it” they’re gonna have to learn some new tricks. Shirley Jones, Sally Struthers, and Lee Meriwether round out this heartwarming homage to Broadway with some delightful cameos.
This fantabulous movie has won a long list of awards which includes: The Celebration of Courage Award, Best Feature Film, Best Musical, Festival Favorite at several LGBTQ Film Festivals, and many more! The Boise Gay Men’s Chorus is thrilled to be able to screen this for the Boise community! Get your tickets soon because we expect the show to sell out with the potential of adding a second showing! We have also been blessed with the opportunity to offer a Q&A session with the writer, producer, and lead actor Jeffrey A. Johns afterwards! Be sure to prep your diaphragm for rumbling, riotous and rambunctious laughter because this film is hilarious with a positive and poignant message! So grab your friends, family, and a big bucket of popcorn and join the chorus in an exciting, unique and inspiring experience!
The Boise Gay Men’s Chorus Kicks Off Pride Week
“LIGHTS OF THE RAINBOW” Concert
Dates: Saturday June 13th @ 8PM & Sunday June 14th @ 4PM
Location: Boise State Special Events Center (located in the Student Union Building—1700 University Dr.)
Tickets: $15 general admission seating online at http://www.boisegaymenschorus.com or at the door.
Hear ye, Hear ye! Come one, come all! At The Lights of the Rainbow concert you’ll have a ball! Call family, text friends, and Facebook the rest. We’ll be singing out proudly and looking our best! So go grab your tickets, we’ll hold you a chair. It’s our end of season concert. Can’t wait to see you there!
The Boise Gay Men’s Chorus has done it again! The Lights of the Rainbow will have audiences laughing, crying, and cheering for more! We’ve packed in hits that will have entire audiences tapping their toes, while touching on serious topics in Idaho like anti-bullying and coming out. It’s time we raise our gay voices to let Idaho youth know its right to celebrate diversity! Therefore, the BSU Special Events Center is about to get a lot gayer when the members of the BGMC kick off Boise Pride Week June 13th and 14th.
The Lights of the Rainbow concert pairs prideful and popular songs with a program called “When I Knew.” This program was premiered in 2012 by the Heartland Gay Men’s Chorus of Kansas City. “This is a new and exciting type of programming we like to call a musical documentary,” says artistic director Adam Wade Duncan. “It combines music, narration, choreography, staging, and often new technologies with different types of projection or video.” In “When I Knew,” the chorus looks at moments in members’ lives when they realized they were gay or different. For many, these experiences were accompanied by being teased, made fun of, or bullied. The coming-out stories related in the program originate directly from BGMC members. This concert is meant to combat bullying and gay-teen suicide and deliver the message “It Gets Better.” All parents, youth, and allies are urged to bring any friends and family that can benefit from hearing this message of love and understanding in Idaho.
Additionally, at each concert, a pair of tickets to the SOLD OUT performances of “The Book of Mormon” in Boise will be raffled off so be sure to get entered to win! Come celebrate this epic performance that will open minds through positive, creative, and personal expression.
For more information on the chorus, visit us at www.boisegaymenschorus.com or like us on Facebook!
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