Here we are with our fourth Pride issue of the year, rounding out Pride season with what we like to call our Pride History issue. This is a very special edition for us because it includes our LGBTQ+ timeline, which has been updated through 2025 as accurately as possible. You can find the beginning of the timeline on page 16, and it continues for several pages after that. We are proud that it has become something of a living document, and that multiple members of the community have helped us curate the content. We hope you enjoy it and find it meaningful.

As you’ve already noticed, the wonderful and talented Cyndi Lauper graces our cover once again—hopefully not for the last time—as she’s scheduled to perform this summer in Wheatland, near Marysville. It promises to be a fantastic show. You can find more information about that performance, as well as four others, on page 37.

On page 5, you’ll find a touching memorial to Marghe Covino, written by Steve Hansen. As Steve notes, Marghe was a community leader and a mentor to many. She will be deeply missed in the Sacramento community.

This issue of Outword is packed with great photos gathered from various Pride events. You’ll find them sprinkled throughout. On pages 12 and 13, there are lots of pictures from the Sacramento Pride festival—it was a wonderful event, and it shows.

San Francisco Pride and San Diego Pride are still coming up, so we’ve included information about both events on pages 14 and 15. Be sure to check them out and make your plans!

Matthew Burlingame’s “Out and About,” on page 38, highlights some really fun things to do and see—David Spade is coming to town, and The Crest Theatre will be screening the cult classic “Pink Flamingos,” starring the wild and unforgettable Divine.

Of course, Chris Narloch brings us several entertainment features, including four films that look both entertaining and thought-provoking. You can read about them on page 39.

On page 40, we take a moment to remember Chef Anne Burrell of the Food Network. She starred in several popular shows, including “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef” and “Worst Cooks in America.” She was a bright light in the culinary industry and will be sorely missed.

And of course, there’s more! We have our Facebook memes, “Activating Taste Buds,” and even a short article about gay supper clubs.

Be sure to click the image above or follow the appropriate links to read this issue—and other back issues—for free on our website. We hope you’re having a fantastic Pride Season and continue celebrating through the end of the month—and beyond. Take good care, and Happy Pride!