Joan Didion wasn’t the only famous literary figure associated with Sacramento. Ann Bannon, one of the most iconic queer writers ever, currently resides in River City and enjoyed a lengthy academic career at CSUS.

That’s the fetching Beebo Brinker, perhaps Ms. Bannon’s most famous recurring character, gracing the cover of our current Issue. Chris Narloch recently caught up with the “Queen of Lesbian Pulp Fiction” for an Outword interview about Ann’s impressive life and career. You can see her speak at Sierra College this February — details and her interview are on page 8.

Also, in this Issue of Outword, important information about pet-friendly domestic violence shelters (page 4), news on nonstop flights between SMF and Toronto via Air Canada (page 5), and a recently released comic book celebrating Brittney Griner (page 7).

Elsewhere in Outword’s late January edition, Tig Notaro will bring the funny to Davis at the Mondavi Center (page 7), and Matt Burlingame brings us all kinds of fun stuff to do in and around Sacramento, courtesy of his indispensable Out & About column (page 9).

Don’t miss “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s timeless musical, which is next up at Broadway Sacramento (page 12), and four new movie reviews, including “Women Talking” (a Best Picture Oscar nominee now playing at Sacramento’s Tower Theatre) and “80 For Brady” (page 14).

But wait, there’s more, including Harry Styles, wine tasting in Healdsburg, and “Art for the People” at the Crocker Museum. So, pick up a hard copy wherever Outword is sold — just kidding, it’s still free! — or click on Beebo Brinker and read us virtually.