Our newest issue has arrived, and we’re thrilled to have the fabulous Ginger Minj gracing the cover. Fresh off her “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 10” win, Ginger is headed to Sacramento to take on the iconic role of Edna Turnblad in Broadway At Music Circus’ production of “Hairspray.” Before she gets here, Outword’s Chris Narloch caught up with Ginger for an exclusive conversation about “Hairspray,” her love of musical theatre, her friendship with Jujubee, growing up a queer theatre kid in Florida, and the wonderfully unlikely road that took her from Christian films to drag superstardom.

Beyond our cover story, this issue has plenty to discover. Chris Allan heads to Chicago for a summer visit filled with queer culture, great food, LGBTQ+ neighborhoods and a look at the new Obama Presidential Center. We also celebrate the arrival of women’s professional baseball — with a debut season that is notably queer — and welcome a new LGBTQ+ Center to Northern California.

There’s entertainment, too, with Spider-Man swinging back onto the big screen, local theatre, music and more. And on the more serious side, we look at Big Tobacco’s long history of targeting gay and bisexual men and the lasting health impact of that relationship.

The new issue of Outword is online now. Grab your tablet and pour yourself something refreshing, then find a comfy spot and spend a little time with us. Always for free.

Also, with the next issue, we will be celebrating our 31st year producing Sacramento’s longest-running LGBTQ+ publication. Look for that digital zine to hit on August 27.

Take care, and enjoy!