Idaho transgender community reacts to new bathroom bill signed into law on Transgender Day of Visibility
Mar 31, 2026
Life for Idahos transgender neighbors can be lonely, as many feel new laws being passed at the Statehouse target their rights.This year, Transgender Day of Visibility coincides with the day Gov. Little signed House Bill 752, kno
wn as the bathroom bill, into law. The bathroom bill makes it a felony for people to use the bathroom corresponding with their gender presentation, rather than the bathroom matching their sex at birth."Its going to hurt a lot of people. I guess if they want to arrest a lot of people for using the restroom thats what they'll have to do," Twin Falls resident Mickey Speirs said.RELATED| Governor Brad Little signs 'Bathroom Bill' into law to require separation by biological sexTransgender Day of Visibility has been held since 2009."Ive been visible since 2005," Speirs said, and added that the political climate today is much more hostile to her. WATCH: Twin Falls residents react to new bathroom bill Twin Falls residents react to new Idaho bathroom bill"Its much worse now than it was in 2005. I thought it would be this bad in 2005 and instead of doing something drastic I chose to make the transition and it was very well accepted. I got a job and everything, and now that seems like its not even possible," Speirs said.Phil Thoman from Trans Affirm told me the bathroom bill and other laws being considered serve to penalize a small, vulnerable population."Its gonna make it easier for just random people and law-enforcement to go out of their way to harass trans people who are just trying to live their life," Thoman said."Unfortunately, the trans community's just been made a target of opportunity because some people view them as a little different or a little outside of the norm," Thoman said.RELATED| Boise mayor removes pride flag at City Hall after governor signs flag billPart of Transgender Day of Visibility is to show others that they aren't alone, and to show the community that they are people too."Were not here to hurt anybody, were not here to brainwash anybody, every single person there behind me today they just want to exist as themselves," Thoman said. - This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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