This is a letter that I sent to every Idaho House and Senate member on July 9th, 2025.
Hello, my name is Evan. I would like to introduce myself a little bit,
so you understand the gravity of this letter.
I was born at St. Lukes in Boise on [birthdate].
I attended elementary school at [school] in Meridian
(now Barbara Morgan STEM Academy).
I was in scouts, and am an Eagle scout.
My eagle project was notifying the community about an emergency preparedness fair.
I graduated from Meridian High School in 2012 while Geoff Stands was the principal there.
I met my wife (who is also from Boise) here in Boise. We have loved exploring all over Idaho this picture is from our trip to Craters of the Moon.
I deeply care about people, even if I don’t know them. I grew my hair out so I could donate it.
My wife and I were married at Rembrandt’s in Eagle in 2020.
Just months after getting married,
I served as a hospice worker for my mother in law, and helped her pass.
My life changed in 2021 when I realized that I am transgender.
This is the last picture of me before I told my wife.
I started hormone replacement therapy in 2023. This is the day after I began.
I remained close with my friends and family.
My best man at my wedding had me be his best woman at his wedding.
Spirituality has always been an important part of my life, and I was recently asked
to give a sermon at the Boise Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship.
As you can see, Boise has always been my home.
Now for the bulk of why I decided to write you: For years I have lived with a constant undercurrent of fear in my own hometown. Whether I’m buying groceries, sharing a meal with friends, or attending community events, I must remain vigilant for people who might wish me harm simply because I am transgender.
Instead of extending basic protections
– such as inclusive hate-crime statutes (“Add The Words”) –
Idaho lawmakers have repeatedly chosen to pass laws that further marginalize me.
Legislation and rhetoric have not only limited my ability to live openly
but have emboldened those who celebrate the fear I feel in my home state.
The political climate is worsening. At the “No Kings” Flag Day rally a few weeks ago,
armed men called me slurs, which was a new experience for me,
and one I anticipate will become more commonplace in Idaho in the coming years.
Feeling cornered, I have no choice but to leave the state I have loved for 31 years.
Next month I will relocate to Washington for my safety.
I am fleeing with such urgency that my wife must remain in Idaho for another year
to close out our homestead, forcing us to be apart until she can join me.
I want nothing more than to live in the Gem State and feel safe,
but this future will only be possible if Idaho leaders like yourself commit to
protecting transgender Idahoans from violence and discrimination.
I plead with you to help me return home.