October has arrived, and our newest issue has a little bit of everything — because apparently none of us has just one thing on our minds these days.

We’re marking National Latinx HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and the importance of knowing your status (page 23), while California adds new protections for your vote (page 6). Rachel Maddow is headed to San Francisco for a conversation about power, politics and the Department of Justice (page 8), and closer to home, Broadway Sacramento launches a seriously impressive new season (page 14).

Chris Allan takes us to Yuba City, where Pride is alive, well and especially meaningful in the Tri-County region (page 16). And when you’ve had enough of the serious stuff, Chris Narloch has Nicole, Brad, Sandra, witches, zombies and plenty of movie opinions waiting on page 21.

Still need something lighter? Ina Garten is having cocktails in her comfy chair, and frankly, we’d like an invitation (page 24)!

Plus, there are events, theater, food, community news and one very important final call for your ridiculously photogenic pets before our Pet Photo Contest closes on October 12.

So, pour something nice, get comfortable and spend a little time with us. The new Outword is so Out!