It seems there has been a tiny bit of confusion about which Pride issue we are introducing today. Honestly, some of that is probably our fault. So let’s clear it up: we are very proud to introduce the second installment in our Pure Pride 2026 series — Sac Pride Number One. (For reference, there are four Pure Pride issues this season: Senior Pride, Sac Pride One, Sac Pride Two and Pride History.)

This issue includes four full pages from Sacramento Pride covering the what, when, where and how to get involved in this year’s celebration. Our next issue, landing June 11, will dive even deeper into the entertainment, performers and festival fun still to come.

But first, we take a moment to wave farewell to Stephen Colbert. An icon of late-night television, whose cancellation came as a shock to millions — and perhaps a delight to one. We will absolutely miss that kind, handsome face helping us laugh exactly when we need it most.

Elsewhere in the issue, we take a quick Pride tour around California with snapshots of celebrations happening all over the state. Pride season is officially in motion, and those stories begin on page 16.

Always on the move, Chris Allan has been out covering events, taking names and taking pictures. Check out pages 6 through 8 for his latest community and sports coverage. We’re also highlighting several Pride-relevant books on page 10 if you’re looking for a little reading material before the parades begin.

Meanwhile, Chris Narloch is fully disco-infused with reviews of new music from today’s dance queens, along with films, concerts and events. His entertainment roundup starts on page 28.

And of course, there’s much more packed into this issue. Forty-six pages of it, actually. Click your way to Outword’s web site to check this one, and even back issues, out. For free.

As we fully immerse ourselves in Pride Season, we also want to pause for just a second and acknowledge everyone it takes to make these issues — and Sacramento Pride itself — happen. The volunteers, organizers, sponsors, performers, allies, businesses and community members who continue to show up year after year. Pride remains a celebration, but also a united focusing of our energy and attention toward moving forward, not backward, and leading with love whenever possible.

Happy Pride Season!