The Community Center

The Community Center, known as TCC, has been a home for LGBTQIA+ people in Boise since December 1983. It began as a backyard conversation among friends who wanted to bring some notice and unity to the small Boise gay, lesbian and bisexual community, and it grew from a shared calendar and a library of donated books into a community center with a home on Orchard Street. Today it is a welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ and allied people and organizations throughout the Treasure Valley, and its tagline says it plainly: you already belong.

The center at 1088 N Orchard St keeps regular drop-in hours on Monday from 3 to 7 p.m., Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can stop in to watch a movie from a collection of more than 200 titles or Netflix, play one of more than 120 games or the Wii, make art with origami, watercolor, crochet, macrame and other supplies, and meet other members of the community. The lending library, open since 1983, holds more than 3,700 books and videos about LGBTQIA+ themes or by queer and trans authors, and books can be borrowed for two weeks.

The resource center offers brochures and cards from local and national support organizations, counselors and health providers, a selection of LGBTQIA+ periodicals, and a small stock of free gender-affirming materials such as binders and trans tape, along with safe-sex supplies. The food pantry is stocked with shelf-stable food, hygiene products, menstrual products and baby items, and anyone can take what they need during open hours and events. TCC also keeps a referral directory for medical, counseling and legal assistance and information for people considering relocating to Idaho.

Groups and events fill the calendar. Youth Alliance for Diversity is open to LGBTQIA+ young people and allies ages 14 to 20 every Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. Tri-States Transgender meets the first and third Saturday evening, A Space for Aces meets the second Wednesday, and PolyQ, NeuroQueer Collective, LEGO Lovers Lounge and a monthly LGBTQIA+ Book Club round out the schedule. The Imperial Sovereign Gem Court of Idaho holds its meetings at the center, and Liberating Spirit Metropolitan Community Church hosts Hot Topics Huddle discussions and Sunday worship there.

TCC is run by volunteers and welcomes more. Open roles include a grant writer, an advocacy lead who helps the community follow Idaho legislation and prepare to testify, and a bookkeeper, with one-time opportunities posted as they arise. Anyone 18 or older can join as a member for $35 a year or by volunteering two hours in the prior three months, and members help elect the board. Donations of money, shelf-stable food, hygiene products and LGBTQIA+ books, and monthly sponsorships, keep the doors open. To reach the center, call (208) 336-3870 or email info@tccidaho.org.