Twin Falls sits in the heart of Idaho’s Magic Valley, but it’s no fairy-tale existence for LGBT citizens who live there as they were reminded last week that they are not welcome.

The Southern Idaho Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Community Centerr had hoped to take part in the town’s annual Western Days Parade by riding through the route on a float specifically designed for the event.

However, their participation was denied once some local Western Days organizers realized locals would actually see proud queers rolling through town.

Although the parade itself is funded and organized by a private group, the high profile event is supported by city government which approves street closures, provides police protection and emergency services. According to published reports in The Times-News, the local police department spent $4,200 in overtime for public safety.

The event is also a major cash cow for the city because the high-profile festival brings in tourism dollars and regional media coverage to the largely rural community.

About 130 groups participated in the event, with the noted exception of the Southern Idaho Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Community Center. But rather than cower and fold up their rainbow flags, these Idaho queers got feisty.

They set up their banned float on private property adjacent to the passing parade. Supporters stood around the stationary float holding signs reminding locals that they also live in Twin Falls and are human beings.

The float featured a large cutout of the state with the words, “Southern Idaho GLBT” on it and a giant rainbow. This was by no means a Castro Street shocker; no one was wearing leather chaps with their butts hanging out.

In fact, one local was quoted in the paper as saying that if it had been permitted in the parade few would have noticed a thing unusual.

This issue is a national issue because the debate boils down to defining the distinct difference between tolerance and acceptance. Queers are fine and tolerated as long as they know their place - which is to remain hidden from view.

The activists in Twin Falls and their fellow supporters around Idaho are proving to this nation that LGBT citizens will not be silenced.

Vote Councilman Trip Craig Out!

LGBT citizens in Twin Falls and their allies have an opportunity to send a very clear message to city hall in the next election. One of the most outspoken people against gay citizens participating in Western Days was City Councilman Trip Craig.

Craig, who is seeking reelection, dismissed the rights of LGBT citizens by disregarding their very existence when he told the local newspaper: “We’ve got bigger issues. So you can’t have a float in the parade. Big deal. I think the least of our worries is who gets admitted to the parade.”

It’s time to show Craig it is a “big deal” and vote him out of office.

Although the float was denied access to the Twin Falls parade route, it may appear in Boise’s Gay Pride Parade set for this Saturday.

If you’re out on Pride Weekend and see the Twin Falls float, cheer them on loudly!