The Covered Wagon bar hosted the 1972 Mr. Cowboy contest, but things didn't go well, as reported in the B.A.R.'s May 17 issue. Many in attendance were "stirred into a frenzy of accusations, charges and counter-charges of fraud, fake fix and cheat."

Spring has quite sprung and many arts, nightlife and community organizers and producers have emerged from their Zoom caves. Chirp, chirp.

As we continue to celebrate the Bay Area Reporter's 50th anniversary, each week we'll take a nostalgic look at a highlight from each year's issues. In May 1, 1971 , a plumaged party seemed like a lot of fun.

As we continue to celebrate the Bay Area Reporter's 50th anniversary, let's look to arts nightlife and community groups that share our collective history. Long-running theater companies and even new online forums span the decades.

With more than 900 articles penned for the Bay Area Reporter, I feel a strong connection as the newspaper celebrates its 50th anniversary this week. I thought to share some behind the scenes tales as well.

Our veteran erotica reviewer reminisces about the early glory days of gay porn on film, vintage B.A.R. coverage, and porn's rise, (ahem) in popularity before changes made into VHS and online formats.

In honor of the B.A.R.'s 50th anniversary, let's look back on the past five decades of local leather seen through the lens of the paper, which is admittedly but a smidgen of the entirety of local leather history.

The Bay Area Reporter has never shied away from expressing and exploring every aspect of the community, including sexuality. A look back at the 1990s peak of escort ads leads to bit of erotic nostalgia.

A former assistant editor and current freelance writer, Mark Norby recalls his first days working at the B.A.R.'s 9th & Harrison office.

The Bay Area Reporter first published on April 1, 1971, two years after the New York Stonewall Riots. But the paper's emergence grew not out of activism, but from San Francisco's growing gay bar scene.

Local nightlife icon and community organizer Juanita MORE! this week announced her candidacy to run for Empress of The Imperial Council of San Francisco. If elected, MORE! would become the 56th Empress.

Face it, you're itching to get out. With more museums, galleries, move theaters, bars and restaurants opening, you're allowed. Mask up, get out, have fun.

For the second time, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will host their very popular Easter party online. the event will still include the Hunky Jesus and Foxy Mary contests, plus a basket full of drag fun.

District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney's office announced March 18 that $3 million will be set aside for the Music and Entertainment Venue Recovery Fund — double the initial commitment of $1.5 million.