For some 34 years now, the rainbow flag has been the most visible symbol of LGBT pride. Businesses use it to indicate they are gay-owned or gay-friendly, churches use the rainbow colors to indicate all are welcome at worship. The list goes on. In short, if you see a rainbow flag, you know that LGBTs are welcome.
That flag's creator, Gilbert Baker, will be back in San Francisco this weekend to accept the inaugural Gilbert Baker Founders Award from the San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration Committee. You'll find a story about him in this special Pride section.
This year's Pride theme is "Global Equality" and we also take a look at LGBT rights advances in Latin America, along with profiles of the community grand marshals.
Finally, lots of youth arrive in San Francisco and turn to the streets, and we examine that issue as well.
This Pride season promises to be big, brash, and political, as always. Enjoy.