So what if you’re not 32 anymore? Pride season doesn’t come with an age limit — and this issue proves it. Welcome to our annual Senior Pride issue, the first publication of our four Pure Pride Special Editions for 2026. And honestly? We think this one came together beautifully. It’s thoughtful, joyful, reflective, and packed with stories that remind us Pride belongs to every generation.

Inside this issue, you’ll find inspiring stories and resources from organizations doing meaningful work throughout the Sacramento region, including the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, The Wisdom Project, Davis Pride, and AARP’s Wish of a Lifetime program. There’s a lot here about connection, and making sure nobody in our community gets left behind as we age.

We also take a look ahead at Pride celebrations all around Northern California. Davis Pride is gearing up for another colorful season of events, Nevada County Pride has unveiled a full June lineup, and San Francisco Pride is going all out this year with “Resistance in Action.” You’ll find Pride happenings sprinkled throughout the issue — because honestly, the season is already in full swing. Woo Hoo!

Meanwhile, Chris Allan gets us out into the fresh air with stories from the Rancho cycling races and the Sacramento State Aquatic Center rowing championships on page 11. Over in arts and entertainment, Chris Narloch is serving up a full menu of things to see and do, including a special “Clue” screening in San Francisco with original cast members Tim Curry and Lesley Ann Warren, along with Broadway Sacramento’s production of “Back to the Future: The Musical.” He also highlights a moving production at Capital Stage and heralds the Sacramento Women’s Chorus concert at The Sofia. Plus, his always-popular movie roundup returns on page 18 with everything from Billie Eilish to “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

And because no Outword issue is complete without a little comfort and compassion, we wrap things up with “Activating Taste Buds,” featuring a perfect lunch at Piatti, along with some heartwarming updates about rescue beagles finding new beginnings – and a couple of ways you can help, if you like.

So here we go — Pride Season officially starts now. And this year, we’re celebrating it with a little more wisdom, a little more perspective, and still plenty of sparkle.

Oh — and if you’d like to get your business in front of Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ community during Pride season, there’s still time. Just reach out to Fred at fred@outwordmagazine.com and he will make it so.