Name: Donald Williamson
Title: Executive Director of Boise Pride
Location: Boise, ID.
What focus do you have when working with the community?
I think one of our organization’s primary focus points is on fostering inclusivity and promoting understanding within our community. We strive to create an environment where all voices are heard and valued, particularly those that have historically been marginalized. We look to engage with various groups to ensure that the festival is a true reflection of the diverse identities and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
How have you seen the LGBTQ+ community grow over the years?
Despite Idaho being a very red state and having a legislature that has continuously targeted our LGBTQ+ community with hateful legislation the past several years, our LGBTQ+ community has still seen incredible growth in terms of visibility and acceptance. There has been a significant shift in societal attitudes, with more allies stepping forward and publicly advocating for equality.
Pride events have become larger, more widespread, and more inclusive. We are now starting to see more representation in media, politics, and various local industries as well. However, growth isn’t just measured in numbers; it’s also about the deepening conversation around intersectionality and the recognition of the diverse identities within our community.
What do you believe we as a community need to work on to be better?
One area we need to focus on is strengthening our allyship with communities that experience multiple layers of discrimination, such as people of color, individuals with disabilities, and those from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, I believe it’s essential for allies—especially those who hold privileges within society—to take a more proactive role in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Allies can help amplify our voices and stand alongside us in the fight against discrimination, using their platforms to challenge prejudices and support legislative changes that promote our equality. We all need to contribute to the fight for justice and equity, both within our community and beyond.
What are the biggest challenges the LGBTQ+ community has internally?
Being a straight white male, I don’t really know that I am the best one to have a position on this question. Any observation I would have about this, would be strictly from the perspective of someone on the “outside, looking in” so to speak.
I would say, as with many other communities within our state and beyond, the LGBTQ+ community can face challenges such as division based on identity (e.g., race, gender, sexual orientation) and with that, sometimes a lack of understanding or support for those with differing experiences.
Discrimination and prejudice can also arise within the community itself, creating barriers that prevent us from uniting and pushing for broader societal change. Addressing these issues requires open dialogue and a commitment to understanding each other’s experiences. But as I said, this isn’t a struggle that is necessarily resigned to the LGBTQ+ community exclusively.
How can we minimize our own prejudices within the community?
Again, the minimizing of prejudices isn’t a challenge that only our community struggles with at times. We all would be well served to work on minimizing our own prejudices within our own lives. Doing that I think starts with self-reflection and education. We need to be willing to listen to marginalized voices and confront our own biases, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. And very frequently, it can be very uncomfortable when starting to do the work. Workshops, discussions, and ally training can help us better understand the complexities of privilege and intersectionality. It’s about creating a safe space for growth and learning, giving each other permission to be uncomfortable, where we can all hold each other accountable in a constructive way.
What impacts has our community had on your life?
I grew up in the 80’s & 90’s in the theater community, and I was profoundly impacted by the creativity, passion, and resilience of those around me. During that time, many individuals felt compelled to keep their sexual orientation private due to societal stigma and discrimination. Although we have seen a rise in that stigma once again, it feels like it was more difficult to “come out” publicly back then.
As I formed close relationships with my colleagues, a number of them trusted me enough to confide in me about their true selves. These moments of vulnerability deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and reinforced the importance of creating a supportive and safe environment. Witnessing their courage to be authentic, even in a time of uncertainty, inspired me to become an advocate for acceptance and inclusivity in both the arts and my wider community. The bonds I developed and the stories I heard shaped my perspective on the power of authenticity and the need for solidarity among all members of the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
What is one thing you are doing that can inspire others to make our community better?
I try to work on becoming a better ally. One of the ways I have seen the opportunity to do that in my role, is by standing up to bullies and hate when the opportunity arises. In my first year in this role, we faced significant backlash regarding a portion of our festival programming, which unfortunately made both us and the LGBTQ+ community targets for right-wing extremism and hate speech.
When that happened, I got fired up and very protective, as I have never been fond of bullies. I felt it was essential to make my voice heard, so I issued my first public statement, directly calling out public officials for their hateful rhetoric and the dangerous climate it was creating. This statement was not just about trying to protect our programming, but about showing solidarity with my colleagues and our LGBTQ+ community. In doing so, I made it clear that we would not tolerate bullying or discrimination.
The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, as many expressed appreciation for seeing an ally step forward and publicly call out the targeting they were experiencing. I believe that when we take a stand together, we provide a beacon of hope and support for those who feel marginalized. By encouraging others to do the same, we can cultivate a culture of resilience and empowerment that strengthens our community and combats hate in all its forms.
What can we do to support each other more authentically with regard to the many different intersectionalities that make up our diverse community?
Supporting each other authentically means actively listening and making space for voices that are often silenced. We can organize events focused on different intersectional identities and ensure representation in our planning committees and decision-making processes. Additionally, we need to encourage collaboration between various groups within our community to build bridges and foster mutual respect and understanding.
Who has inspired your life and work?
The most profound inspiration in my life has been my mother. Growing up, I witnessed her strength and resilience in the face of immense challenges. With an alcoholic father who was physically, verbally, and mentally abusive, she bore the weight of our family’s struggles yet remained a constant source of love and support for us.
I remember the fear and uncertainty she faced when she finally gathered the courage to leave my father. Despite the daunting prospect of being a single parent with one income, she never allowed her fears to define her. Her positive outlook and unwavering determination shaped my worldview. She taught me the importance of empathy, resilience, and the power of kindness.
Inspired by her example, I have strived to bring those values into my own family and my work. I believe that if we approach others with compassion and understanding, we can create a more supportive and uplifting community for everyone. My mother’s journey has instilled in me a commitment to stand strong in the face of adversity and to always look for the good in others, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
What message do you have to the community that you would like to share?
My message to the community is a call to action: we must all strive to be better allies to the LGBTQ+ community, myself included. In our current social climate, being an ally cannot be just a passive role; it involves actively supporting our friends, family members, and colleagues who identify as LGBTQ+.
Start more meaningful conversations with your LGBTQ+ friends, family, or co-workers. Ask them about their experiences, the challenges they face, and how you can support them. Listening to their stories and perspectives not only deepens your understanding but also shows that you genuinely care.
If you witness someone being bullied or harassed, don’t stand by. Confront the situation if it’s safe to do so, and let the individuals know that their behavior is unacceptable. Your voice can make a strong statement and help create a safer environment.
Stay informed about Idaho legislation affecting the LGBTQ+ community. When you see hateful policies or actions being proposed, speak out against them. Whether it’s through social media, writing to local representatives, or participating in rallies, demonstrate your commitment to equality and justice.
Contribute time or resources to organizations that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and provide support services. Whether through volunteering, donating, or attending events, your involvement can make a lasting impact.
Participate in Pride events or other celebrations of LGBTQ+ culture. Show your support and stand by your LGBTQ+ friends during these times. Celebrating diversity and visibility not only uplifts the community but also reinforces your role as an ally.
These are just a few of the many examples of ways that you can be an ally. Some of them might seem scary or overwhelming, and that’s ok. Find the ones that are easy to do, or easy for you to do, and start there. Being a true ally means actively working towards inclusivity and equality. It’s about standing up for what’s right, amplifying voices that need to be heard, and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. Let’s challenge ourselves to embody these values and show unwavering support for our LGBTQ+ community. They deserve it, and together, we can make a difference.
