OutBoise Magazine November 2014 | Page 38

38  |  OutBoise Magazine  | NEWS OutBoise.com | Issue 1.2 | November 2014 Living in a Why Not world By Mikea Hargrove Boise is a unique community, its friendly, hip and fun. It is very small and the inner circles of friends make living in Boise interesting. Most of the community knows someone who knows someone that either dated someone or is dating someone. It’s a small town so word gets around; this doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing it just means that if you ask around you can find out just about anything, and most people are happy to share what they know. I’m relatively new to the Boise LGBT community and I was amazed at how easy it is to make friends. It seems as if everyone is tolerant of each other or at least pretends to be. This is an amazing feat because tolerance is what keeps a community happy, vibrant and active. The show of support that the community has for each other and for its projects is fantastic. Some of best ways to meet and network with others is at various events throughout the community. Facebook is one of the best ways to find out what is happening around the valley. There is always something going on and always some place to hangout. Living in the greater Boise area allows people to experience many things that make Idaho great. We have access to some of the most beautiful parks, rivers and lakes and best of all its free. The green belt is a 20 mile adventure. It’s a great way to experience a little beauty and exercise, walk, run or bike it’s your choice. Why not check it out for yourself and count how many people smile or wave when you pass by. Another fantastic choice is to hike table rock. It is a challenge but a rewarding challenge. It’s a great mix of hiking and walking. Your first trip up the trail may seem like it’s never ending, but once you reach the top and see why Boise is called the city of trees you will be happy you kept going. Most residents take pride in their community whether its hangout in the north end at coffee shops, eateries, dancing down town at the clubs or admiring the unique art work. Boise seems to have so much to offer but taking full advantage of it can be overwhelming. Being new to the LGBT community I have experienced more in the last year than I have in the previous 28. This has been an amazing experience.