LGBTQ+ community creating thriving Inland Northwest businesses [Video]

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – The Inland Northwest Business Alliance (INBA) has served as a network for LGBTQ+ owned businesses and allies for over three decades. This Pride Month, queer business owners are celebrating the community’s impact on the Inland Northwest’s economy and culture.

Throughout Coeur d’Alene Pride, queer north Idaho businesses were given the opportunity to shine and network with interested customers.

It hasn’t been a perfect Pride Month. Several alleged hate incidents have taken place in Coeur d’Alene and Spokane in the past few months, making some LGBTQ+ people and allies living in the region feel unsafe.

“I have parents that come to me and say that they have LGBT kids that moved away that won’t come back to visit. And we have LGBT folks that live in this community that have told me stories about how they’ve been harassed and bullied,” North Idaho Pride Alliance Executive Director Sarah Lynch said.

Several laws focused on LGBTQ+ youth have …