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🎙️ Drag, Disruption & Dangerous Laws: Trans Joy in a Bathroom Ban State 🏳️‍⚧️🔥

Guest: Tacoma / Rachel Lee Motivated

What happens when your drag becomes your protest? When joy is defiance—and survival? And what does it feel like to live, perform, and pee in a state like Idaho under escalating anti-trans laws?

This week on Trans Joy Boise, hosts Bonnie Violet (trans femme, genderqueer, spiritual drag artist & digital chaplain) and Pacey (transmasc, non-binary, mental health & recovery advocate) are joined by the radiant and rebellious Tacoma (aka drag star Rachel Lee Motivated) for a conversation about:

💄 Drag as a tool for protest and community building
 📣 The power—and risk—of pushing the envelope on stage
 🚻 Living through Idaho’s newest bathroom ban law
 🧠 Coping with fear, safety, and survival in hostile states
 🏳️‍🌈 Turning performance into purpose—and joy into resistance

This episode is a raw and heartfelt look at how queer artists are navigating joy, fear, and visibility in dangerous times—and how every stage can become a soapbox.

🧼 Because in Idaho, simply being seen can be revolutionary.

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YOUR-LINK
🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.buzzsprout.com/YOUR-LINK

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In the wake of the Supreme Court’s Skrmetti decision—upholding Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth—we’re coming together to process, reflect, and rise. 🏳️‍⚧️ Learn more at https://www.acluidaho.org/en/skrmetti-decision

Join Bonnie Violet (trans femme, genderqueer digital chaplain) and Pacey (trans masc, non-binary mental health advocate) as we unpack:

• What the ruling means—and what it doesn’t mean
• How trans folks in Idaho and beyond are organizing, adapting, and thriving
• The national movement for trans youth still gaining momentum
• Why our community continues to show up, speak out, and shine ✨

We believe this moment is not the end—but a call to rise. Our resilience is rooted in truth, in joy, in love—and in each other. We’ve faced worse. We’ve built beauty from ashes. And we’re still here.

🎧 Tune in for clarity, community, and care.
 💖 Trans joy is not a trend—it’s a lifeline.
 🌱 Let’s grow stronger together.

#TransJoyBoise #ProtectTransYouth #TransRightsAreHumanRights #TransLiberation #TransIsBeautiful #LGBTQ2SIA #QueerPodcast #TransJoy #WeKeepUsSafe #SkrmettiRuling #TransYouthDeserveBetter

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We are pretty cute though 👅😉

From sneaking into national conferences to fighting for trans liberation in rural Idaho, Bonnie Violet and Pacey break down what it means to resist, speak truth, and survive when your existence is political. This episode isn’t cute—it’s critical.

What happens when national LGBTQ2SIA+ leaders underestimate rural resistance? When World Pride gets shut down by police but queers keep dancing in the streets? When you're told your life isn’t under threat, even as laws strip your rights away?

In this raw and urgent episode of Trans Joy Boise, hosts Bonnie Violet and Pacey share personal reflections from Washington, D.C., where Idaho’s trans activists were both underestimated and spotlighted at the Human Rights Conference. From affirming moments with icons like Raquel Willis to the deep vulnerability of being dismissed by those in power, we explore what it’s like to be trans in the trenches—especially in so-called "flyover" states.

You’ll hear:

• How Bonnie snuck into national conversations to make trans Idaho visible
• Why people calling Idaho “cute” is dangerous, not flattering
• The nervous system toll of constant vigilance in anti-trans America
• How World Pride DC’s protest roots re-emerged under pressure
• The spiritual and emotional impact of showing up, even when you're not invited
• Bi-erasure in media, pop culture’s shifting queerness, and burnout
• Why Pride must be both a celebration and a protest at Canyon County Pride

This is a love letter to those doing the work without credit or comfort—and a call-out to those still stuck in rainbow-washed apathy.

✨ Whether you’re on the streets, in the pews, or behind the mic—this episode is for you. Because we’re not here for cute anymore. We’re here for power.

🎧 Subscribe, share, and leave a review. Help amplify queer and trans voices from Idaho and beyond.

 #TransJoyBoise #TransLiberationNow #IdahoIsNotCute #TransVoices #PrideIsAProtest #QueerPodcast #HIVIsNotACrime #BiErasure #RaquelWillis #RuralResistance #QueerJoy #TransFemmeVoices #TransMascVoices #PridePolitics #QueerSpirituality #FromIdahoWithLove #CanyonCountyPride

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Today on Trans Joy Boise, we welcome Asher, a trans local in Idaho whose viral TikTok post about wanting to flee the state with his pregnant wife caught our attention. From growing up in Washington to finding himself stuck in a small, conservative Idaho town, Asher shares the real-life struggles of trying to survive — and eventually escape — a place that feels increasingly unsafe for trans folks.

We dive into:
 🏳️‍⚧️ Trans life in small-town Idaho
 🔴 The rising boldness of anti-trans hostility
 💼 The near impossibility of finding employment as a trans person
 🏡 What it feels like to plan your escape from your home
 🏳️‍🌈 Experiencing joy, safety, and community elsewhere — and dreaming of more

This isn’t just Asher’s story — it’s the story of thousands of trans people who are isolated, unseen, and unsupported in red states across the U.S.

📣 Let's get loud about trans joy, trans safety, and the right to thrive.

👉 If you're trans and trying to hold it together in a hostile environment, this episode is for you.

💬 Drop a comment to show Asher some love or share your own story.

 🔔 Subscribe for more real, raw, and joyful conversations about trans life in Idaho and beyond.

🎧 Listen on: Spotify | Apple | YouTube | Amazon | Buzzsprout
💖 Support Asher & his Family: TikTok | Go Fund Me 

#TransJoyBoise #TransVoices #TransLivesMatter #AsherStory #TransInIdaho #QueerPodcast #TransPodcast #TransTikTok #LGBTQ2SIA+ #EscapeRedStates #TransSafety #TransCommunity #TransRights #TransVisibility #TransIsBeautiful #TransJoy #IdahoTransLives #TikTokTrans #FreedomToBe #TransMigration #QueerResilience #PodcastWithPurpose 🎧🏳️‍⚧️

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In this heartwarming and hilariously real episode of the Trans Joy Boise Podcast, your hosts Bonnie Violet (trans femme genderqueer drag artist and spiritual chaplain) and Pacey (trans masc non-binary mental health and recovery advocate) are joined by Van, Vice President of Canyon County Pride and a powerful genderqueer voice in Idaho’s LGBTQ2SIA+ movement.

Together, we unpack everyday gender euphoria and dysphoria—from awkward “sir/ma’am” moments at the grocery store to the joy of being seen, heard, and affirmed exactly as we are. We dive into:

🌈 Nonbinary + genderqueer identity in small towns
🌈 What happens when a cisgender world tries to fit us in binary boxes
🌈 Our complicated relationships with pronouns and titles
🌈 Reflecting on trans media representation—Transparent, Queer as Folk, and Sort Of

Part TWO

In this powerful and deeply personal part of the episode, we dive into the heart of queer organizing in conservative spaces—specifically Canyon County, Idaho. Our guest shares their transformative journey from volunteering at Clutch, a queer youth group in Nampa, to co-creating the very first Canyon County Pride Festival—an event that defied local pushback, overcame hate, and welcomed nearly 4,000 people in its first year.

We explore what makes Clutch such a vital space for LGBTQ2SIA+ youth, particularly autistic and ADHD kids, who are invited to just “come as you are”—no pressure, just food, fun, and love. You’ll hear stories of chosen family, queer joy, community resistance, and how a casual dream turned into a national headline.

Whether you're a parent of a trans kid, a queer youth worker, or someone trying to spark joy and resistance in your own backyard, this episode is for you. It’s a testament to what’s possible when we show up for each other—especially in the places where we’re told we don’t belong.

Part Three

This raw, unfiltered conversation dives deep into the escalating criminalization of trans and gender-diverse bodies in Idaho and the real-life impact of recent "indecency" laws targeting drag performers and trans women. We unpack how Canyon County’s new legislation disproportionately affects trans folks—particularly those on HRT or wearing prosthetics—and how these laws empower vigilante surveillance and vague police enforcement.

We share insights from behind closed doors with local law enforcement and city officials, shedding light on the sobering reality of organizing pride events under state-sanctioned transphobia. From police negotiations to ICE fears, from enforcing a t-shirt policy to protect our most vulnerable to planning an interfaith spiritual service in response to religious-based hate—this episode doesn’t shy away from the messiness of showing up, surviving, and creating queer joy amidst political hostility.

You'll also hear about how last year's Canyon County Pride became a site of unexpected healing and solidarity—especially from progressive faith communities and everyday people showing up with umbrellas and love.

🗓️ Pride Info Drop:
Canyon County Pride is happening

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When the City of Boise ordered the Pride flag to be taken down during Pride week, our community rose in sacred resistance. In this episode, we explore the spiritual fire that fueled the fight to have it fly again — and win. 🌈✊🏳️‍⚧️

Join Bonnie Violet and Pacey as they reflect on the divine strength in protest, the sacredness of queer visibility, and how spiritual care and activism are deeply intertwined. From prayer to public outcry, Boise’s flag battle became a spiritual awakening and a call to action. 🙏💥

Whether you're moved by faith, fed up with injustice, or both, this episode will fill your soul with trans joy, holy rage, and communal love. 💖

Check out Queerly Arts Festival - The Cutest Performance Art Festival 🦄
6/19 Where the Wild Things Slay
6/20 Come as You Are 🏳️‍⚧️
6/21 Embrace The Rainbow
6/22 I’ll have The Gay Pls

https://www.instagram.com/queerlyartsfestival

#TransJoyPodcast #TransJoyBoise #QueerSpirituality #FaithInAction #BoisePride #PrideFlagVictory #SpiritualActivism #LGBTQ2SIA #TransRightsAreHumanRights #SacredResistance #FlyTheFlag #QueerFaith #TransVisibility #HolyRage

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Idaho’s controversial HB270 law—framed as an “indecent exposure” bill—has  v. raised alarm across the LGBTQ2SIA+ community for its potential to criminalize trans people in public spaces. In this episode, trans state senate candidate Nikson Mathews breaks down the bill’s dangers, shares personal experiences at the Capitol, and offers insight into what this legislation really means for trans lives in Idaho.

In this powerful episode, we are joined by Idaho’s first "openly transgender appointed lawmaker fills in for Idaho Senator, Nikson Mathews, unpacks the chilling reality of HB270—a vague and dangerous new law that could criminalize trans and queer existence in public spaces. Nikson shares firsthand insights from the Statehouse, the events leading up to the bill’s passage, and how false narratives from Canyon County Pride were weaponized to push anti-trans legislation.

We explore the fear this law creates—how it invites surveillance, emboldens harassment, and forces our community to navigate public life under threat. From deciding what to wear at Pride events to the legal grey areas around simply existing while trans, Nikson speaks to the deep harm of ambiguity and the need for collective resistance.

As Pride season approaches, we reflect on the tension between staying safe and staying visible—and why we must keep mindfully showing up, now more than ever.

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In this raw and real episode of the Trans Joy Podcast, hosts Bonnie Violet (trans femme, genderqueer spiritual drag artist & digital chaplain) and Pacey (trans masc, non-binary mental health and recovery advocate) return after a much-needed break to unpack the emotional toll of showing up, speaking out, and staying visible in hostile environments.

From navigating Capitol Hill as a trans advocate during AIDS Watch to re-grounding in Boise’s local trans community, Bonnie and Pacey reflect on the realities of burnout, safety, joy, and activism under attack in red states like Idaho.

They also give updates on the 2nd Annual Trans March in Boise during Pride 2025, the impact of new legislation targeting queer and trans expression, and how they’re planning to prioritize safety, visibility, and joy this year. 🏳️‍⚧️🌈

This episode is a heartfelt conversation about how rest, vulnerability, and community care are vital parts of resistance—and why trans joy is unstoppable.

🛑 Topics Include:

• Being trans at Capitol Hill and legislative hearings
• Safety fears & public expression under anti-trans laws
• Organizing Boise’s Trans March with intention
• Community care, joy, and rest as acts of defiance

📌 Get Involved:
👉 Volunteer or support the Trans March
📣 Follow us on Instagram @transjoyboise
💬 Comment, Like & Share to spread the joy

🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & more!

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In this powerful episode of Trans Joy Boise, Bonnie Violet (trans femme, genderqueer, spiritual drag artist, and digital chaplain) and Pacey (transmasc, nonbinary, mental health & recovery advocate) sit down with Elliot, a local activist and chair of the Idaho chapter of Pink Pistols—a queer-centric, ally-friendly gun club focused on firearm safety, self-defense, and community protection.

We dive into the history of LGBTQ2SIA+ activism in Idaho, the importance of showing up for legislative hearings, and the growing need for self-defense education in today’s political climate. Elliot shares his experiences with direct action, advocating for trans rights, and building a safer, more empowered queer community.

🔥 Topics Covered:
 ✅ The history & mission of the Pink Pistols 🏳️‍🌈🔫
✅ Why LGBTQ+ self-defense education is more important than ever
✅ Idaho’s legislative battles & the fight for trans rights
✅ How to get involved in activism & make your voice heard
✅ Practical de-escalation & safety strategies for queer folks

🎧 Tune in and join the conversation! Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to support trans joy and resilience.

Learn more about the pink pistols at https://www.pinkpistols.com, find on Facebook at Treasure Valley Pink Pistols.

#TransJoy #LGBTQSelfDefense #TransRights #PinkPistols #QueerActivism #IdahoPolitics #TransSafety #GunRights #SelfDefense #LGBTQ2SIA

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Trans Joy Boise with Pacey & Bonnie Violet
A Trans & Nonbinary Podcast based out of Boise Idaho

This special event brought together community, conversation, and deep reflection as we welcomed Michael and Angie Devitt, authors of Finding Eve: Raising a Transgender Teen in Idaho.

In a state where trans lives are often under attack, this evening was a powerful reminder of the courage it takes to parent with love and advocacy. Michael and Angie shared their story of raising their daughter Eve, offering a heartfelt look at what it means to show up for your child—fully, loudly, and unapologetically.

After the book reading, we sat down for a live recording of the Trans Joy Boise Podcast to dive deeper into their journey, the impact of anti-trans legislation, and what real allyship looks like.

💜 Whether you're a parent, ally, or member of the trans community, this conversation is one we all need to hear.

🎥 Watch, listen, and let this be a reminder: trans kids deserve love, safety, and support—and so do their families.

Celebrating, uplifting, and empowering Idaho's trans and nonbinary community

#transjoyboise #transjoy #boise #idaho

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