Our final Pure Pride 2026 issue has officially landed! And this special Pride History pub isn’t just about looking back. It’s about understanding how we got here. From the AIDS Memorial Quilt and the Progress Pride Flag to Dykes on Bikes and even five decades of LGBTQ+ design, this special issue celebrates the stories and events that have shaped our community. The items we highlight in this issue are just a few that make today’s Pride possible. Here are a couple of tidbits to look for:

Remembering the AIDS Memorial Quilt – Page 5
One of the most powerful symbols of the AIDS epidemic continues to tell thousands of stories. We revisit the Quilt’s remarkable beginnings, its lasting impact, and why this living memorial still resonates with new generations today.

LGBTQ+ History Timeline – Pages 8 & 9
Take a whirlwind tour through the past two years of LGBTQ+ relevant happenings with our next installment of our ongoing timeline (At this time we are not able to visually add this to the previous 12 pages of timeline, but maybe we can in a future, very special issue). This installment highlights landmark victories, to today’s headlines and is a fascinating reminder that progress has never been a straight line. But we push forward.

Understanding the Progress Pride Flag – Page 13
Ever wondered what every color and stripe represent in the “rainbow” flag? We break down the meaning behind today’s Progress Pride Flag and explore how one of the community’s most recognizable symbols has evolved over the years.

Fifty Years of Thunder – Page 22
Before the first Pride parade even gets underway, one group has joyfully roared into place and stolen the spotlight. Celebrate the incredible history of Dykes on Bikes, and other female biker clubs, and discover how a handful of women on motorcycles became one of the most recognizable traditions in Pride celebrations around the world – and so much more.

50 Years in Design – Page 27
From logos and magazines to Pride posters and rainbow flags, take a colorful journey, guided by Tina Reynolds, through decades of LGBTQ+ graphic design experiences and see how she helped shape Sacramento’s creativity community. Spoiler alert! This is only the first two chapters out of six, for now…

Blockbusters, Queer Horror & Lesbian Love – page 30
No issue of Outword would be complete with a huge swath of entertainment fodder, and this issue is, of course, no different. Chris brings us local theater, SF Symphony happenings and of course his mini movie reviews on page 30 – and more!

All along the way you’ll find a smattering of stories, from a remembrance of Matthew Shepard, the Pink Triangle ramifications after World War II, preserving Stonewall National Monument, Fresno State’s expanding LGBTQ+ archives, 75 years of theater magic (in a book), event Pictures, Pictures, Pictures, and so much more.
Happy reading from the Outword team