Pride, viewed as a puzzle, lets all of our varied communities come together. We identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, black, white, Asian, Jewish, drag, leather, daddy, older, younger, and more. We are all pieces of society, and making those pieces fit into the puzzle that is life is our challenge �" and oftentimes we have to confront those whose aim is to relegate us to second-class status or who support outdated ideologies that lead to discrimination.
The puzzle analogy is visualized in the cover art by gay local graphic artist Kenshi Westover.
Inside this special Pride section, you will find stories of success, perseverance, overcoming adversity, and challenging the status quo.
These themes are illustrated through articles on a gay social club, the Billys, and San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi's groundbreaking policy to stop classifying transgender inmates who have not had surgery according to their birth sex, meaning that trans women would be housed with women in jail.
This year's San Francisco Pride community grand marshals and other honorees are also profiled �" they are a diverse group of people who have started their own businesses, fostered social change, and improved the lives of others.
In the news section, you'll find all that you need to know about Saturday's new Pink Party and Sunday's parade and festival, along with other local coverage.
The arts section includes a look at the Frameline film festival and other happenings.
Along with our coverage of multiple arts events, we have expanded nightlife listings in the BARtab section with information on every notable LGBTQ event this week, and an exclusive interview with Pride main stage headliner, Steve Grand.
No matter what the U.S. Supreme Court decides in the marriage case, the LGBT community still has much work ahead combating bias, hate violence, and workplace discrimination. Trans people are still unable to serve openly in the military. Even in a city as diverse as San Francisco, in one of the most liberal areas of the country, the Bay Area, there are those who abhor us. Just read our story about a gay Latino mural in the Mission district that's been hit by graffiti vandals �" three times this month.
So as you celebrate this Pride weekend, keep in mind that this is just the beginning of a renewed effort to achieve equality for all.
Happy Pride.