I moved to Garden City, Idaho at the end of 2022 and it was one of the biggest mistakes of my entire life. I have hated living here and, from what I can tell, the feeling is mutual.

That being said, as we pack up the last of the house and prepare to leave this place (forever and ever amen), there are a few things I’d like to shout-out for absolutely saving me while I’ve been here.

1. Roots Zero Waste Market — World class kindness and social responsibility meets groceries, skincare, sammies, and more. I love this place and everyone who works there. Of all the spots, this is the one that made me feel entirely welcome and at home every single time I walked through the doors.

2. Imagine gatekeeping a small town music scene?! To the handful of local and regional bands, artists, photographers, and filmmakers who pushed through that, embraced me, and have become my collaborators and life-long friends (you know who you are) — thank you so much. We did some really cool stuff. To everyone else: L O L

3. Push And Pour, The Wylder, Broadcast, The Lively, The District, Percy, Dawson Taylor, tHe FuNkY tAco, and Flying M Coffee — Knowing I could come get a treat and feel safe in these spots has made such a difference. Thanks for the smiles and hi-fives.

4. To the one man who stood up for me when I was being harassed downtown for dressing too gay, to the gas station attendant who ran to our defense when me and Pretty Baby got “rolled coal” by dudes in giant trucks with full-sized “Don’t Tread On Me” snake flags, and to the artist who followed up with me the next morning after not taking any sort of action when a revered local Boise musician used the f-slur in my direction at a table full of people: I see you.

5. Knitting Factory [Boise] — So fun getting to activate so many shows with your team! Thanks for showing love to me and the bands I work with while I’ve been here.

6. The Agenda Radio Boise — From the moment I got to town, these cool kids made a space for me and my songs on-air (and in real life) in ways that no one else would.

That’s it. Taking y’all with me in my heart and leaving the rest of this experience here as I go.