To Eve Devitt (she/her), a student activist from Boise, politics can be a charged word.

Most think of politics, Devitt said, as something discussed behind closed doors that serves the more affluent families and individuals in a community.

But in 2019, her life changed for the better when she became an advocate for her community.

On Monday, the Eve Devitt Fund — named in Devitt’s honor — announced the inaugural recipients of the Scholarship for Human Rights, recognizing Scar Rulien (they/them) and Devitt, two Idaho high school students who have worked to advance human rights in the state. The winners were awarded $2,500 that will go toward their education and future advocacy work.

Rulien, a student at Twin Falls High School, founded the Bruin High Gender and Sexuality Alliance and has uplifted LGBTQ+ youth voices across the Magic Valley as they led rallies, coordinated teacher workshops, and helped organize Southern Idaho Pride Week.

As a response to the state legislature challenging what is deemed harmful material in public and school libraries, Rulien helped establish Idahoans Against Book Bans to share stories, support local libraries and fight back against far-right attacks on Idaho youth.

One of the most rewarding experiences for Rulien was serving on GLSEN’s National Leadership Council and working to create safe and inclusive school environments for queer students across the country.

This year, Rulien was featured in The Advocate Magazine for their activism and recognized as LGBTQ+ owned and operated brand management company equalpride’s valedictorian for the Class of 2024.

In the fall, Rulien will attend Boise State University and double major in Film & Television Arts and Narrative Arts.

“I think the hardest part about getting involved civically is just starting,” Rulien told the Times-News about what they’ve learned as an advocate. “It’s scary, but as soon as you take that first step, it comes so much easier to you…

“(You begin to realize that) this is really just me talking, me saying my opinion, me connecting with others and sharing my own story.”

Devitt, a recent graduate of Boise High School, has continuously fought for the healthcare, equal rights and humanity of transgender and non-binary youth in Idaho legislature and national media. Soon, she will attend The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York and Los Angeles to study Acting on Camera. She serves as the president of the nonprofit.

“It’s a lot easier to get involved in politics than I expected… What I found to be very interesting is how I could make a difference just by knowing about what was going on in my backyard and being able to go to hearings,” she said.

In regards to Idaho residents who are looking to make an impact in their community, Rulien and Devitt said that they should talk to more people and discover what they are passionate about.

“Your story is powerful,” Rulien said, “and you have very unique experiences even if it can be hard to think that sometimes. Your perspective is powerful, and getting up there to share that in any way you can, whether it’s through talking to news outlets, going to protests or getting yourself involved in legislature — even if it’s something simple. You should communicate with others to find those opportunities.”

“Trust yourself and trust that you have a powerful opinion to share.”

The Eve Devitt Fund was founded in 2023 following Gov. Brad Little’s signature of HB 71, a law that bans gender-affirming care for the state’s trans and non-binary youth. The fund provides mutual aid cash assistance to cover travel assistance for transgender and non-binary families that seek gender-affirming care across state lines.

The Scholarship for Human Rights will support students’ work as they continue their education and leadership to change Idaho for the better.

To learn more about the fund, visit www.evedevittfund.org.