Pure Pride 2026
Good Night, and Good Luck, Stephen
by Ron Tackitt
Stephen Colbert’s last show aired on Thursday the 21st. I didn’t usually watch the whole show, but I immensely enjoyed watching clips that The Late Show posted on Facebook over the years. Stephen, somewhat like Graham Norton, had a way of making his guests feel comfortable enough to connect with him and answer his questions with honesty and wit.
Stephen’s monologues were awesome. Biting at times, but even more so a mirror focused back on the events he was talking about. The canceling of The Late Show comes off more as a payout for services rendered than any kind of financial necessity. (It’s interesting to note that Stephen’s show is not the only show CBS has killed recently — Starfleet Academy, after the final episode of season one, was also canceled. That show was, as Star Trek often is, a thinly veiled analysis of the corruption happening in the real world.) There will be a second season but CBS has already destroyed the set to squelch whining fans.
I know I’m not alone in saying that I am really going to miss Stephen and his guests. But a large part of the pain is the fact that this is one of a growing list of things being stripped away so that a select few can benefit. Terms like “Land of the Free” and “Freedom of Speech” no longer seem applicable to the “United” States of America — and only half of us really care. I have hope that things will right themselves, but I have little hope that it will happen fast enough for me to benefit from it.
Farewell, Stephen Colbert. I, and millions like me, will be watching for what comes next for you. Whatever it may be, it will be awesome.
Trailblazer Barney Frank Has Died
Trailblazing former congressmember and longtime LGBTQ+ advocate Barney Frank has died at the age of 86. Frank, one of the first openly gay members of Congress and among the most influential lawmakers of his generation, reportedly died May 19 after entering hospice care at his home in Maine following complications from congestive heart failure.
A Democrat from Massachusetts, Frank served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1981 to 2013. He publicly came out as gay in 1987 while still in office, a bold and career-defining move at a time when few national politicians were willing to do so openly. Over the decades that followed, his visibility helped pave the way for a new generation of LGBTQ+ elected officials. Frank was perhaps best known nationally for his role in shaping financial reform after the 2008 economic collapse. As chair of the House Financial Services Committee, he helped craft the landmark Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, legislation designed to strengthen oversight of banks and protect consumers after the housing and financial crisis.
But for many in the LGBTQ+ community, Frank’s legacy was rooted in his willingness to speak plainly and fight publicly for equality during years when doing so carried significant political risk. Sharp-witted, intensely policy-focused, and often delightfully blunt, he became a familiar face on television and in congressional hearings, earning a reputation as one of the smartest — and quickest — voices in Washington.
In recent years, Frank occasionally found himself at odds with parts of the LGBTQ+ community over comments regarding transgender rights and political strategy. Just days before his death, he told CNN’s Jake Tapper that Democrats should reconsider portions of their messaging around transgender issues, comments that sparked debate among activists and political observers alike.
Even so, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum following news of his passing. Fellow lawmakers, LGBTQ+ leaders, and longtime admirers remembered Frank as a groundbreaking public servant whose career helped reshape both American politics and LGBTQ+ representation.
Frank is survived by his husband, Jim Ready.
photo by Ovidiu Hrubaru Shutterstock.com
On Deck with Abi Liu
words and images by Chris Allan
When one of her young swimmers confided “I’m bi” to Abi Liu, Head Coach of the Bellevue Club Swim Team, she didn’t miss a beat. “I was like, sure.” That ease is no accident. Liu, who didn’t come out herself until she was 38, has made it her mission to be the visible, welcoming presence she never had. “They’re 14, 15, 16,” she says. “I tell them, you are so brave. You are years ahead of me.”
A former Chinese national swim champ, World Cup winner, and at 50 one of the most respected club coaches in the country, Liu brings rare depth to the pool deck. She was one of the original athletes featured in USA Swimming’s inaugural LGBTQ Cultural Inclusion Resource Guide in 2016, and has quietly spent her career building a place where young LGBTQ+ swimmers feel safe.
“They’re very comfortable coming to me, talking about it, sharing their struggles...” she told Outword.
This month, Liu brought 11 Bellevue Club athletes to Sacramento’s TYR Pro Swim Series at the North Natomas Aquatic Center. There, the young squad competed alongside seasoned, international competitors.
“My goal is getting them comfortable racing the big kids, so-called,” she says. “It’s not just physicality — it’s psychological.” Being open has made her someone parents also seek out in vulnerable moments. When they are struggling with a child who has come out, her message is direct. “You have two choices. You either accept your kids and love them as they are, or you lose them.” Her own parents’ journey from rejection to acceptance — “delayed but not denied,” she says — informs every conversation.
Even as IOC Olympic restrictions around transgender athletes create ongoing challenges, Liu remains optimistic about swimming’s culture.
“In USA Swimming, we’re still very much celebrated,” she says. “But this conversation has to continue.”
At home in Washington, Liu and her wife KR — a Biden-appointed disability rights advocate, nationally recognized LGBTQ rights champion, and author working on her first book — are approaching their 11th anniversary. They married in Maui on 8/8/15 at 8:08, in Hawaii’s 808 area code, fully embracing the lucky Chinese number eight.
“I check every box,” she laughs. “Female, gay, Asian-American, immigrant — I look at those as my superpower.”
Abi Liu coaching poolside at the TYR Pro Swim Series
Coach Abi Liu making a point to one of her Bellevue swimmers
NorCal AIDS Cycle: Pedaling with Purpose
Around 90 participants, including 50 cyclists, took to our regional roadways May 14–17 for the 2026 NorCal AIDS Cycle (NCAC), Northern California’s largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser.
Riders departed Thursday from Beals Point in Folsom, heading north to a basecamp at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds before the final leg Sunday. They covered more than 300 miles over four days and finished with a group ride to the West Steps of the California State Capitol at 1 p.m. By ride’s end, participants had battled 30mph winds and raised nearly $210,000 for this year’s 13 beneficiary organizations, according to Scott
Doyle, NCAC Board Chairperson.
The recipient list reflected the wide reach of the HIV/AIDS crisis, ranging from UC Davis Children’s Hospital to Women’s Health Specialists of California. “For some of these groups, their doors wouldn’t be open if they didn’t receive allocated funds from us,” said
Robbie Norris, a rider and former NCAC board member. The Sierra Foothills AIDS Foundation, for example, serves patients in
words and photos by Chris Allan
rural areas with limited access to doctors and HIV testing, making outside support essential to its survival.
Founded in 2005 by volunteers determined to keep HIV/AIDS services alive, NCAC has grown into a regional institution now in its twenty-first year. Since its founding, the organization has raised nearly $5 million to support Sacramento Valley and Northern California nonprofits. Outword Magazine is among the event’s proud community co-sponsors.
Norris, 38, said he was diagnosed with HIV about ten years ago. It was a friend’s
enthusiasm for the ride that first drew him in, and before he even owned a bike, he signed up. This year marked his third time participating and he rode despite an injured finger. “I know 300 miles sounds like a lot,” he said, “but coming from somebody who didn’t bike, it’s very doable.” He credits NCAC’s structured training program, which gradually builds mileage, and the ride’s supported format, with rest stops every 25 miles, for making it accessible to newcomers of all abilities. “It’s a great community,” he added, “Everyone’s super accepting and very welcoming.”
Books for a Pre-Pride Celebration
by various authors book reviews by Terri Schlichenmeyer
You’re all geared up. You’ve got your best parade-walking shoes, your coolest tee, your most-comfortable shorts, and a rainbow flag to carry. You’re set for Pride, but before you go, try one of these great new books about LGBTQ life and history…
After the parade, where will you end up? A place to talk your experience over, to re-hash things for the next parade? Then you may need “The Lesbian Bar Chronicles: The Living History and Hopeful Future of America’s Dyke Dives and Sapphic Spaces” by Rachel Karp (Beacon Press, $29.95).
Lesbian bars, says Karp, are more than just places to drink. They’re also places to find community, and to organize. For many, she says, they are “sanctuaries,” as they have been for at least a century, and this book introduces you to some of the people who run the establishments, the things they do to support their patrons, and the hundred-year-plus bravery that it took to own, run, and enter a lesbian bar.
If you had to name a gay icon, there are probably quite a few who come to mind. So read “Without Prejudice: My Life as a Gay Judge” by Harvey Brownstone (ECW Press, $21.95) and add another name to your list.
This memoir, written by Canada’s first openly gay judge, takes readers from Brownstone’s childhood to his life as a lawyer, then to his work within the justice system in Ontario, and beyond, to his current career. This is a surprising, informative book that gives you an life is like, north of our uppermost Pride is a celebration, an event,
but it also demands a peek backwards, and in “The LGBTQ Almanac: 500 Years of Queer Culture in American History” by Deborah G. Felder (Visible Ink Press, $39.95), you’ll get a wide look at the pioneers, allies, policy, and gay life over the course of the last five centuries. Want to know more about religion in the gay community? It’s in here, along with celebrities, presidents, science, business, and more. This is the kind of book that settles bets. It’s one you want to have in any room of your home because it’s comprehensive and perfectly browse-able for all of its 600-plus pages.
And finally, here’s a book to read and think about: “No Fats No Fems: A Guide to Queer Empathy and Unpacking Prejudice” by Max Hovey (HarperOne, $19.99). How do you eliminate hateful, hurtful words, aimed at gay people – by gay people? What kind of stereotypes do we carry, unintentionally? This book takes those things out into the daylight by talking honestly and thoughtfully about them, as well as other issues. It’s a book to have when doubts creep in, when you need a new way of thinking or a different direction, or when you just want something different to read.
And if these great books aren’t enough, head to your favorite bookstore or library and ask for books that you can read before Pride or after. And Happy Pride!
Pure Pride 2026
Pure Pride 2026
Out&About
Sunburst Projects’ “Drag Your Balls” golf tournament and “Drag Brunch on the Green” at Haggin Oaks was a fantastic success, featuring a day filled with laughter, good food, entertainment and fundraising. From the golf course to the drag performances and silent auction, the event delivered plenty of fun while helping support the important work Sunburst continues to do in the community.
Photos provided by Sunburst, taken by Maxwell Cohn
Pure Pride 2026
June 5-7 - WeHo Pride
West Hollywood knows how to throw a Pride celebration, and WeHo Pride 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest parties of the season. The three-day event takes over the city June 5–7 with concerts, community events, marches, art, activism and plenty of high-energy fun centered around West Hollywood Park and Santa Monica Boulevard.
The weekend blends celebration with the city’s long-standing LGBTQ+ advocacy roots. Visitors can expect the always-popular WeHo Pride Parade on Sunday, June 7, featuring colorful floats, marching groups, performers and celebrity guests along Santa Monica Boulevard. The parade remains one of Southern California’s signature Pride events and is free to attend.
Music fans will have plenty to look forward to with the return of the OUTLOUD Music Festival at WeHo Pride. This year’s lineup includes The Pussycat Dolls, Ava Max and JADE, with performances spread across the weekend at West Hollywood Park. A free Friday Night at OUTLOUD kickoff concert also returns, though advance RSVP tickets are required because of limited capacity.
Beyond the music, WeHo Pride offers a packed lineup of community-focused programming, including the free Street Fair, the Women’s Freedom Festival, the annual Dyke March and the WeHo Pride Arts Festival. While Los Angeles has multiple Pride celebrations throughout June, WeHo Pride continues to stand out for its mix of activism and energy.
June 6 & 7 - Chico Pride
Pride season is heading north as Chico gears up for a week of community events, live entertainment, art, and celebration this June. From downtown festivities to late-night dance parties, there’s something happening for nearly every age group and vibe.
The centerpiece of the celebration is the Chico Pride Downtown Festival on June 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at City Plaza. The free, all-ages event promises a lively afternoon filled with community organizations, entertainment, vendors, and plenty of Pride spirit in the heart of downtown Chico.
As the festival rolls into the afternoon, the celebration continues just steps away with the Plaza-Side Beer Garden Party at Allies Pub from 1 to 6 p.m. The all-ages gathering includes a $3 cover for guests 18 and older and offers a relaxed space to cool off, socialize, and keep the party going.
That evening, Duffy’s Tavern hosts the official Dance Night Afterparty beginning at 8 p.m.
The 21-and-over event features dancing late into the night with a $5 cover charge.
The following week keeps the momentum alive with several creative and communitycentered events. Pride Drink & Draw (or Art) takes place June 10 at Argus, inviting guests to bring their own art supplies for a free evening of creativity and cocktails. On June 13, Roselle hosts a Drag Show & Dance Party, while Chico Chai House wraps up the festivities June 14 with an all-ages Craft Day and Friendship Bracelet gathering.
For more events and information, go to their web site.
Pure Pride 2026
Stonewall National Monument is an Endangered Historic Place
The Stonewall National Monument has been named to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2026 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places, amid growing concerns that federal actions are erasing key parts of LGBTQ+ history.
Designated in 2016, Stonewall was the first U.S. national monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ history and remains the only unit of the National Park Service focused specifically on the LGBTQ+ rights movement. The site commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, widely recognized as a turning point in the modern fight for LGBTQ+ equality.
Advocates say recent federal actions threaten the monument’s ability to tell the full story of the uprising. According to preservation groups, interpretive materials at the site were altered to remove references to transgender participants in the Stonewall rebellion, and the Pride flag was temporarily removed before being restored following legal action. Critics argue those changes undermine the monument’s educational mission and diminish the contributions of transgender and queer Americans to U.S. history.
The designation comes as LGBTQ+ organizations continue pushing back against broader federal efforts they say censor
LGBTQ+ history and visibility. Those efforts include the removal of LGBTQ+ content from government websites, cuts to grant funding for LGBTQ+ projects, and the elimination of “T” and “Q” references from some official materials.
“This is about protecting the full and factual story of Stonewall,” said Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Today, bravery is again required to ensure the full story of the Stonewall Uprising is told at the National Monument, including the roles of transgender and gender-nonconforming people in the events of 1969.”
Groups including the National Parks Conservation Association, the NYC LGBTQ Historic Sites Project, and Making Gay History say continued advocacy will be necessary as the monument approaches the 10th anniversary of its designation.
Supporters argue that preserving Stonewall’s full story is essential not only for New York, but for understanding LGBTQ+ history across the nation.
photo by Chris Allan
Pure Pride 2026
June 6 - Davis Pride
There’s still plenty of time to make plans for one of the region’s most beloved LGBTQ+ celebrations as Davis Pride returns June 6 with a full day of community, entertainment and small-town charm. While Outword featured an expanded look at this year’s festivities in a previous issue, it’s worth another reminder that Davis continues to deliver one of the warmest and most welcoming Pride celebrations in Northern California.
Centered in downtown Davis, the annual event brings together live music, local vendors, food, family activities, advocacy organizations and plenty of colorful Pride spirit. The atmosphere tends to feel a little more relaxed and grassroots than some of the larger city celebrations, making it an easy and enjoyable option for families, first-time Pride attendees and anyone looking for a fun day trip.
With Pride season now in full swing, Davis Pride offers another chance to celebrate visibility, inclusion and community — all without having to travel far from home. Check out their web site.
June 13 & 14 - Sac Pride
Pride season in Sacramento is almost here, and while there’s still more performer news and festival details to come, interest is already building for one of the region’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations. Sacramento Pride returns June 13 and 14 with its annual march and festival centered around Capitol Mall. Organized by the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, the weekend traditionally draws tens of thousands of people for two days of community and celebration.
The Pride March is scheduled for Sunday morning, beginning at Southside Park and making its way to Capitol Mall. Festivalgoers can expect community organizations, food vendors, exhibitors, local businesses, and multiple entertainment stages.
Sacramento Pride remains both a celebration and a reminder of the activism, advocacy and community that continues to shape the region.
As a sponsor, Outword is proudly featuring four full pages dedicated to Sacramento Pride in this issue, on pages 22 through 25. We will also have more sponsor pages in our next upcoming issue that will hit the net on June 11.
June 14 - Yountville Pride
Yountville is rolling out the rainbow carpet for its third annual Yountville Pride Celebrations throughout June, with a month of inclusive events, special offers and small-town charm in the heart of Napa Valley.
The festivities begin Tuesday, June 2, with a Pride Flag raising at Yountville Town Hall at 2:45 p.m., helping kick off Pride Month with a public celebration of community and belonging. From there, the month fills up with events and activities hosted by Yountville Chamber members, including Pride Trivia, food and wine experiences, Pride Paint Night, and a town-wide scavenger hunt for hidden Pride Hearts.
The centerpiece of the celebration is Pride in the Park, happening Sunday, June 14, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Yountville Veterans Memorial Park. Hosted by the Yountville Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Town of Yountville, the free community event will feature live music, food trucks, arts and crafts, information booths and more.
Getting around town will be easy, too. The Yountville Bee, a zero-emissions bus, will offer free rides within town limits during the celebrations.
For updated event details and additional Pride offers, visit the Yountville Pride website.
Pure Pride 2026
June 27-28 - SF Pride
San Francisco Pride returns June 27–28 with this year’s theme, “Resistance in Action,” bringing hundreds of thousands of people to the city’s Civic Center and historic Market Street corridor.
The massive two-day festival transforms Civic Center into a colorful hub of music, community organizations, food, performances and activism. More than 20 community-run stages, hundreds of exhibitors and an endless sea of rainbow fashion help make San Francisco Pride one of the largest LGBTQ+ gatherings in the world.
The centerpiece, of course, is the legendary Pride Parade on Sunday, June 28. Beginning at Market and Embarcadero, the parade travels up Market Street toward Civic Center, featuring more than 250 contingents ranging from nonprofits and political groups to corporate allies, leather organizations, drag performers and local community groups.
And, as tradition demands, the unmistakable roar of the motorcycles from the Dykes On Bikes, will once again officially kick off the parade. The beloved group has led San Francisco Pride since 1976, and this year marks the 50th anniversary of that historic first ride down Market Street. For many longtime attendees, it simply would not feel like San Francisco Pride without them.
While San Francisco Pride has always been known for outrageous costumes and joyful energy, this year’s “Resistance in Action” theme also reflects the political climate facing LGBTQ+ communities nationwide. Organizers are embracing Pride’s activist roots while still keeping the celebration vibrant, welcoming and unmistakably San Francisco.
Visitors can also expect a full week of surrounding events across the city, from dance parties and drag shows to the Trans March, Dyke March and nightlife celebrations stretching from the Castro to SoMa. Hotels book quickly and airfare tends to climb as Pride weekend approaches, so early planning is encouraged.
More information, parade registration and event details are available at SF Pride.
July 18-19 - San Diego Pride
One of the country’s biggest and most colorful Pride celebrations returns this summer as San Diego Pride 2026 takes over the city July 18–19. Produced by San Diego Pride, the annual weekend celebration draws more than 250,000 people for a packed lineup of music, art, community events, and pure Pride energy.
What makes San Diego Pride stand out is the way it blends activism with celebration. Beyond the massive parade and festival crowds, the organization supports LGBTQIA+ arts and culture year-round through performances, visual arts, community programming, and opportunities for local artists and entertainers to shine. Pride weekend itself transforms the city into a sea of color and creativity, with multiple stages, dance areas, food vendors, community booths, and headline entertainment spread throughout the festival grounds.
The iconic Pride Parade remains one of the weekend’s biggest draws, winding through the heart of the city with colorful floats, marching groups, nonprofits, businesses, and thousands of supporters lining the streets. It’s equal parts celebration, visibility, and joyful resistance.
Festival tickets are now on sale, and organizers are encouraging people to secure passes early as summer travel season ramps up. Whether you’re planning a full getaway weekend or just looking for a reason to celebrate community under the Southern California sun, San Diego Pride always promises an unforgettable experience.
For tickets and more information, visit San Diego Pride
SACRAMENTO CAPITOL MALL
June 14, 2026 11am-2pm March
(scroll down to see march options)
At a time when lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people are under attack in their schools, at work, in their doctors’ offices, and even at drag shows across the country, you can show up for the LGBTQ+ community by marching with us on Sunday, June 14 at 11:00 a.m. from Southside Park to the Capitol. The route begins on T & 8th Streets, turns onto 10th St, passing an announcer "grandstand" on R & 10th. The route concludes at Capitol Mall with vehicles turning right onto N St and marchers turning left on Capitol Mall.
We invite you as an individual, to march with the Sacramento LGBT Community Center's contingent, displaying the power & strength of community support. Visit sacramentopride.org/march for more information.
Funds raised at Sac Pride events directly support year-round programming provided by the Sacramento LGBT Community Center.
Be a vendor!
Just in time for Pride, we’re excited to introduce our new vendor platform, Eventeny!
To make things easy to navigate, vendors are grouped into categories:
Small Groups & Nonprofits
Corporate & Large Businesses
March Contingents
As you browse, be sure to keep track of the categories so you choose the correct option. If you have any issues, please contact the Eventeny help desk.
Scan the code to see our Eventeny page!
Volunteer with Sacramento Pride!
Are you ready to be a part of something truly special? Do you want to contribute to a vibrant and inclusive community, all while having an unforgettable experience?
Sacramento Pride is one of the largest and most anticipated queer events of the year, and an event of this magnitude doesn't just happen – it's powered by the passion and dedication of incredible volunteers like you.
Learn More and Sign Up Online: Visit sacramentopride.org to explore volunteer roles, get more information, and sign up today!
For any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the volunteer team at pride.volunteers@saccenter.org.
Pure Pride 2026
June - New York Prides
From the bright lights of New York City to the beaches of Fire Island and the rainbow glow of Niagara Falls, New York State knows how to celebrate Pride. As the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, New York offers visitors a mix of history, community and unforgettable events all summer long.
Things kick off early in Buffalo with the Buffalo Pride Parade on June 7, along with community celebrations and a Pride Fun Run. Later in the month, nearby Niagara Falls hosts Rainbow City Pride on June 27, complete with drag performances, vendors, family-friendly activities and fireworks over the Falls — all illuminated in rainbow colors.
In Albany, the Capital Region celebrates Pride with a full weekend of events June 13–14. Say It Loud! BIPOC Pride returns to Washington Park on June 13 with performances, vendors and community resources focused on uplifting LGBTQIA+ Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities. The celebration continues June 14 with the Capital Pride Parade and Festival, featuring entertainment, advocacy, and special guest performer David Archuleta. Additional Pride events throughout the month include parties, BBQs and a Pride 5K.
Of course, New York City remains one of the world’s most iconic Pride destinations. Harlem Pride takes place June 27 with live entertainment, family-friendly activities, food vendors and community programming. Then on June 28, millions are expected to line the streets for the annual NYC Pride March, the nation’s oldest and largest Pride march. Visitors can also connect with LGBTQ+ history at the legendary Stonewall Inn and the nearby Stonewall National Monument, where the 1969 Stonewall Uprising helped launch the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Harlem Pride. Photo courtesy © NYS Dept. of Economic Dev. (NYSDED)
21st Century Disco Queens
by Chris Narloch
From the late 1970s to the early part of this century, the finest female dance artists were almost all from the U.S., and I’m talking about Donna Summer, Martha Wash, Madonna, and then Lady Gaga. (Jamaica’s great Grace Jones was the exception.)
Now, the opposite is true, and the women who are creating the best dance-pop music are almost all international, from Brits like Dua Lipa and Charlie XCX, to the three superb singers whose latest dance recordings I review below.
Robyn – Sexistential
Like Zara Larsson, this 46-year-old disco queen hails from Sweden. (I don’t know what’s in their water, but Sweden produces some dynamite disco queens.) Robyn is the singer, songwriter, producer, and DJ known in the U.S. primarily for her massive dance hit from 2010, “Dancing On My Own,” but her dance-pop props go back to at least 1995, when she had two Billboard Hot 100 singles, including “Show Me Love,” while still in her teens. Robyn’s “Body Talk” trilogy of albums – which produced “Dancing On My Own” and other hits – is collectively one of the finest dance epics ever recorded, and now she is back (after an 8-year break) with highly anticipated new music. “Sexistential” is the title of her current, 9-song disc, and it was worth the long wait.
I would be hard-pressed to pick a favorite track from her new music, but the disc gets off to a trippy, hypnotic start with “Really Real” and then “Dopamine,” the latter a perfect description of the addictive effect Robyn’s music has on her fans. There are two or three songs I’m not totally crazy about on “Sexistential” (including that title track), but the singer comes back strong with the orgasmic, one-two punch of “Light Up” and “Into the Sun” at the end of the album.
Jessie Ware – Superbloom
This beautiful, 41-year-old dance-pop artist was born in London, and she coos and purrs her way through 12 groove-alicious tracks on “Superbloom” (plus one ballad) that cement her status as a peerless disco sex kitten. “I Could Get Used to This” gets the album off to a steamy start, and the hot song titles that follow say it all: “Sauna,” “Ride,” “Mon Amour,” and “Mr Valentine.” Ware’s breathy, Marilyn Monroe-like vocals on those last two tracks are beyond sexy.
From her 2012 debut, with the pop music masterpiece “Devotion,” through this, her sixth album, the singer has set the bar high and delivered time and time again. If you love Dua Lipa, then you are likely to enjoy the sultry-without-being-trashy tunes on “Superbloom.” Ware sounds like a romantic, and when she declares, on track 10, “Don’t you know who I am? I’m the love of your life,” you believe her.
Kiesza – Dancing and Crying: Volume 3
This 37-year-old Canadian singer and multi-instrumentalist follows up her two previous efforts with a seven-song EP that is a triumphant return to the dancefloor. Kiesza likes to move in her videos – she can really dance – and so the celebratory single “When I’m Dancing” is the perfect track to set things in motion.
At the end of the EP, “Dancing and Crying: Volume 3” comes full circle with “Afterparty,” a propulsive electro-pop number that finds Kiesza vocalizing wordlessly because, well, the music says it all. Not every lyric is a classic, but on cuts like “With You” and “Good Morning America” the singer finds a nice balance between brains and beats.
Robyn
Jessie Ware Kiesza
“Obsession” a Hit with Horror Fans
Plus, Lovely Leo Woodall in “Tuner”
by Chris Narloch
Ididn’t feel like driving all the way over to San Francisco for the critic’s screening of the new “Star Wars” film, so I was unable to review it before our deadline, but I do plan to see it on the biggest screen in town, at the Esquire IMAX Theatre on K Street, where you can catch it through at least June 7.
In the meantime, here are four other new films that I was able to review recently.
Obsession
Horror fans are going ape for this 21st Century twist on “Fatal Attraction,” which follows a lovesick young man who learns the hard way to be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it.
Michael Johnston plays the awkward guy who cannot seem to confess his feelings to a female buddy, until he buys a “One Wish Willow,” a toy sold in a novelty shop that grants his wish for Nikki (Inde Navarrette) to love him more than anyone else. Boy, does she ever! Johnston is good too, but Navarette is sensational – one minute, sweet and submissive and the next, clingy and totally crazy. When Nikki starts harming herself physically, Bear (Johnston) realizes he has made a horrible mistake. I wasn’t crazy about the bummer ending, and Curry Barker’s movie is more disturbing than entertaining. But for anyone who has ever obsessed over a lover (or had someone obsessed with them), this movie is a shocking reminder of how love can go horribly wrong. “Obsession” is currently in wide theatrical release.
Is God Is
This new film has been described as a violent, Southern Gothic revenge thriller, and that is a very apt description. “Is God Is” is an impressive debut feature for director Aleshea Harris, who based the movie on her own 2018 play.
The plot follows adult twin sisters who are tasked by their dying mother with killing a father they have never known, for burning and disfiguring them as children, along with their mother.
Obviously, this is difficult, disturbing subject matter, but it is also a compulsive watch, thanks to the writer/director’s sympathy for her two main characters. The film also has a dynamite supporting cast that includes Vivica A. Fox as the mother and Sterling K. Brown as the devil of a dad, plus Janelle Monae, and the totally terrific Mallori Johnson and Kara Young, who play the twins.
This movie is not for the faint of heart, but for fans of challenging independent cinema, “Is God Is” is worth seeking out, if you can find a theater where it is still playing.
Handsome Leo Woodall (“The White Lotus” Season Two) teams up with Dustin Hoffman for this suspenseful but uneven drama about a once-promising pianist (Woodall) who works with Hoffman’s character as a piano tuner. The younger man suffers from hyperacusis, a condition that requires him to always wear ear protection against loud noises.
After he discovers an ability to crack safes due to his heightened hearing, Woodall’s character falls in with a trio of thieves who steal valuables from wealthy homeowners, and he gets in way over his head.
Those break-ins are not very believable, for several reasons, but if you can overlook that plot hole, Woodall and Hoffman are terrific together, and Daniel Roher’s movie is otherwise very well-made.
“Tuner” is scheduled to open at Sacramento’s Tower Theatre, on May 29.
I Love Boosters
This wild, surreal satire is the second feature by Boots Riley, who previously directed 2018’s equally bizarre “Sorry to Bother You,” which starred Tessa Thompson and LaKeith Stanfield. Mr. Stanfield returns as a handsome demon who falls for Keke Palmer’s character, a scrappy shoplifter (or “booster”) who steals and resells high-end clothing in the Bay Area but dreams of designing her own fashions.
Palmer is wonderful here, as are Naomi Ackie and Taylour Paige, playing the other two women in the “Velvet Gang,” who are thorns in the side of Christie Smith, a rich-bitch fashion tycoon (hilariously played by Demi Moore).
The Velvet Gang steals from Smith’s stores, and then Smith steals Palmer’s designs. Moore’s character vows to destroy the “low class, urban bitches” – her words, not mine – and it all comes to a head at an insane disaster of a fashion show.
I enjoyed “I Love Boosters” (despite its excesses) for its originality and its colorful, anticorporate, anti-capitalist messaging. Both of Riley’s films are their own unique creations. He doesn’t make cookie-cutter movies, and I cannot wait to see what he does next. This film is currently in theatrical release only.
Tuner
Fly The Funny Skies With “Airplane! Live”
The 1980 comedy classic film “Airplane!” is again cleared for takeoff, with big screen showings across the U.S., followed by a live Q&A with co-stars Julie Hagerty and Robert Hays.
Known for its rapid-fire jokes, hilarious slapstick, and unforgettable cast, “Airplane!” is widely regarded as one of the funniest comedies ever made. This not-to-be-missed event touches down at San Francisco’s Curran Theater, this June 19th.
Assuming they don’t order the fish for their in-flight dinner, Robert Hays (reluctant pilot Ted Striker) and Julie Hagerty (flight attendant Elaine Dickinson) will take the stage for a live discussion after the film, to share behind-the-scenes stories, insights, and personal memories from working on this iconic comedy masterpiece.
Do not miss the rare opportunity to see this legendary movie, back on the big screen, 45 years after its original release. Additional information and tickets for all dates at airplanelivetour.com
Julie Hagerty
Robert Hays
Free Concert: Sounds of Summer
Symphony d’Oro presents another free concert this June, this time at Rancho Cordova City Hall. Music Director/ Conductor Pete Nowlen promises an unforgettable salute to our country’s 250th birthday, as we celebrate what makes America unique: her people, passions, and especially her music.
“Sounds of Summer” will include the crack of a bat hitting a baseball out of the park; the warmth and brilliance of nature as captured by Vivaldi in his timeless “The Four Seasons”; and the unmistakable rhythm and blues of American jazz.
Sac State Professor Melinda Wilson Ramey narrates “Casey at the Bat,” and violinist Elyssa Havey will perform Vivaldi’s “Summer” from “The Four Seasons.” You’ll get to sing along too!
Doors open at 3:30 p.m. for the 4:00 p.m. concert, on Saturday, June 6, 2026. For more information about Symphony d’Oro, go to www.symphonydoro.org
The Business of Pride –A Networking Mixer
You are invited to an event presented by Hyatt Regency Sacramento in partnership with Sac Pride and the Sacramento LGBT Community Center this June.
Join us for an energizing evening at The Business of Pride – A Networking Mixer, designed to celebrate authenticity, leadership, and inclusion across professional spaces.
The event will begin with a moderated panel conversation exploring the unique challenges and rewards of showing up authentically in the workplace. Hear from leaders and change makers across generations as they share personal insights and knowledge.
Following the conversation, you are invited to continue the evening with networking and connection featuring light bites and beverages. The evening will also include entertaining performances by local drag artists.
Help us kickoff Sacramento Pride season ahead of the Sacramento Pride March and Festival (June 13th and 14th) in downtown Sacramento. The Business of Pride – A Networking Mixer event is an opportunity to connect across industries, uplift LGBTQ+ voices and allies, and strengthen the community through professional growth.
We hope you will join us for an evening of conversation and celebration as we learn to navigate the evolving landscape of the modern workplace, on June 4, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. inside the Hyatt Regency Ballroom, 1209 L Street, in Sacramento.
To RSVP click here.
Pure Pride 2026
Kick O Sac Pride Weekend Right!
Friday, June 12 5:30 - 7 pm
Activating Taste Buds Outword Afterwork
The Drink: Hot Gay Summer
There are two types of people during PRIDE month:
People who say:
“I’m taking it easy this year.”
And liars.
Because somehow every “quick drink” turns into:
• standing in line for something
• making three new best friends in a bathroom
• losing your sunglasses
• aggressively dancing to a song you swore you hated in 2014
That’s where Hot Gay Summer comes in.
No complicated ingredients. No tiny flowers floating on top. No bartender using a blowtorch for emotional impact.
Just a dangerously easy cocktail designed for patios, bad decisions, and saying: “Wait… what time is it?”
Ingredients 2 oz vodka
Pink lemonade
Splash of Sprite
Ice
Directions
Fill your glass with ice.
Pour vodka like you trust yourself.
Add pink lemonade.
Top with Sprite.
Stir once.
Text the group chat: “I’m on my way.”
Why This Works It’s cold.
It’s pink.
It tastes like you absolutely should not have another one.
Which means it’s perfect.
Pair With
Glitter that will survive until August
Complimenting strangers in line
One friend disappearing with a drag queen
Saying “THIS IS MY SONG” at least four times
Because PRIDE month is not the time to be subtle.
It’s the time to hydrate poorly and make memories.
Food Beverage Nightlife
Out & About
Swith Matthew Burlingame
acramento is ready to shine as the 2026 Pride season gets into full swing with so many community gatherings and celebrations. This year’s Pride calendar offers something for everyone. Organizations, businesses and community groups are working overtime to create venues that celebrate our love and identities, and plenty of Sacramento Pride spirit! Happy Pride, y’all!
May 28
The Sacramento LGBT Community Center will host its lively LGBTQ+ 101 Quarterly Training on Thursday, May 28 at 5 p.m. at 2031 K St. The engaging 90-minute session is designed for businesses, nonprofits, nightlife venues and community leaders interested in building welcoming, affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ people. Topics include allyship, inclusive language and workplace strategies. Register at Saccenter.org/training
June 4
The Rainbow Chamber and Drag Queen Bingo brings glitter, laughs and community spirit to Mango’s, 1930 K St., on Thursday, June 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. Guests can enjoy bingo, lively performances and plenty of fun while supporting CASA Sacramento, which advocates for children in foster care. Rainbowchamber.com
June 5 & 6
Bonnie Raitt will bring her Live Tour to Channel 24, 1800 24th St., for two nights on Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6. Singersongwriter Maia Sharp will open the shows. Known for her bluesy vocals, guitar mastery and longtime social activism, Raitt continues to captivate audiences with heartfelt performances, timeless hits and an energetic live show celebrating decades of acclaimed music. Channel24sac.com
June 8
Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers bring their genre-blending sound to the Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Pkwy. in Folsom, at 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 8. The Grammy-winning artist performs career favorites, collaborations and fresh material from his forthcoming album Indigo Park. Harriscenter.net
June 13
Sacramento Pride returns June 13 and 14 to downtown Sacramento with a weekend packed with live entertainment, community vendors, food, drinks and LGBTQ+ celebration along the Capitol Mall. The annual festival, produced by the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, also includes the colorful Pride March beginning Sunday, June 14 at 11 a.m. from Southside Park. Sacramentopride.org
June 13
The stars of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” will bring spontaneous comedy and musical chaos to SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, 1301 L St., on Saturday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. “Whose Live Anyway?” features Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis and Joel Murray performing hilarious improv games inspired by audience suggestions. Fans can expect quick wit, audience participation and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Safecreditunionperformingartscenter.com
June 14
The Sacramento Lavender Chorus will celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride with its premiere concert, “Here’s Where We Stand,” on Sunday, June 14 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Cathedral, 2620 Capitol Ave #200. The uplifting evening promises music, community and Pride-filled energy as the chorus debuts its newest performance. Tickets are a $20 donation online or at the door. Guests are encouraged to come together and celebrate love, identity and visibility through song. Sacramentolavenderchorus.com
June 16
Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce will celebrate Pride Month with a colorful Networking Mixer on Tuesday, June 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, 400 Jibboom St. Guests can connect with local professionals and community members before enjoying a dazzling Lady Gaga laser light show included with registration. Organizers encourage attendees to register early, as space for the unique Pride celebration is limited. Rainbowchamber.com
June 19
Sacramento Juneteenth Festival returns to William Land Park, 4000 S. Land Park Dr., on June 19 and 20 beginning at 6 p.m. for its 23rd annual celebration of culture, community and freedom. The lively weekend festival features a parade, live music, food vendors, arts performances, community conversations and more. Organizers promise entertainment, education and family-friendly fun throughout the celebration. Vendor information is available at sacramentojuneteenthinc.org
June 20
Sacramento Horror Film Festival and Love Horror Events will turn Colonial Theatre, 3522 Stockton Blvd, into a glitter-soaked queer prom nightmare on Saturday, June 20 at 8:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy a Pride-themed screening and live shadowcast of “Rocky Horror,” complete with fishnets, dancing, audience participation and prom royalty voting. Organizers promise camp, chaos and plenty of unapologetic queer joy during the official afterparty for Sinister Creature Con 2026. LoveHorrorEvents.com
WitchGang Apothecary and Willow & Root Alchemy will celebrate the Summer Solstice with a lively outdoor market on Saturday, June 20 from noon to 6 p.m. at Y-Not Club, 8945 Grant Line Rd. in Elk Grove. Guests can enjoy artisan vendors, food trucks, live music from the Papa Day Blues Band, tribal dancers and free giveaways. Organizers promise good vibes, family-friendly fun and plenty of community spirit during the free all-ages celebration. Witchgang.com
Do you have events, birthdays, or announcements to share? Feel free to send them to matthewburlingame@gmail.com.
Sacramento Lavender Chorus
Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Bonnie Raitt
Pure Pride 2026
Federal Court Asked to Break Up Live Nation and Ticketmaster
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a bipartisan coalition of 34 attorneys general in asking a federal court to break up Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster, arguing the companies’ merger created an illegal monopoly that has harmed artists, fans, venues, and competitors across the live entertainment industry.
The coalition filed a remedies proposal in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York seeking an order that would force Live Nation to divest Ticketmaster. Attorneys general are also asking the court to require Live Nation to sell off major concert amphitheaters it owns and operates, saying the company used its control of venues to pressure artists into working with Live Nation promoters while shutting out rivals.
The filing follows a recent jury verdict that found Live Nation/Ticketmaster liable for anticompetitive conduct that harmed consumers and the live music industry. Jurors concluded Ticketmaster overcharged customers for tickets sold between May 2020 and 2024.
“A jury found Live Nation manipulated the market, hurt artists, fans, and businesses nationwide, all while getting richer — not because it is better, but because it acted illegally,” Bonta said in a statement announcing the latest legal action. He added that strong structural remedies are needed to prevent the company from continuing practices that harm consumers and competition.
California joined the lawsuit in 2024 alongside the U.S. Department of Justice and a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general. The suit alleges Live Nation abused its dominance in ticketing and concert venues to maintain control over the industry through anticompetitive practices.
Although the Justice Department later announced a settlement with Live Nation, a bipartisan group of state attorneys general rejected the agreement, arguing it failed to go far enough to protect consumers and restore competition in the live entertainment marketplace.
Pure Pride 2026
Advertiser Directory
Advertisers with a contract of four months or more.
ADULT STORES
L’AMOUR SHOPPE 2531 Broadway, 916-736-3467l
BANKS / CREDIT UNIONS
TRI COUNTIES BANK www.tricountiesbank.com
BARS / CLUBS
BADLANDS 2003 K St. 916-441-6823 SacBadlands.com
THE DEPOT
2001 K St., Sac, 916-441-6823 TheDepot.net
CHIROPRACTORS
HEALING TOUCH CHIROPRACTIC
Dr. Darrick Lawson, 1210 G Street, 916-447-3344 www.FixMyBack.com
COUNSELING
WEAVE 916-920-2952 (24/7) www.weaveinc.org
DENTISTRY
ERIC GROVE, DDS KENDALL HOMER, DMD 9216 Kiefer Blvd., STE 5 916-363-9171 • grovehomerdentists.com
DINING/BEVERAGES
ROSCOE’S BAR & BURGERS 916-898-3631 Roscoes916.com
SCOTT’S SEAFOOD - ON THE RIVER 916-379-5959 ScottsSeafoodontheRiver.com
FINANCIAL PLANNING
STEELE FINANCIAL PARTNERS Judy Steele, Financial Advisor 916-846-7733 www.steelefinancial.org
HEALTH SERVICES
RIVER BEND MEDICAL ASSOC. www.rbmafamilydocs.com
HOME CLEANING
HOUSE 2 OM 916-833-8510 info@house-2-om.com
LIBRARIES
FRIENDS OF THE SAC. PUBLIC LIBRARY 8250 Belvedere, Ste. E, 916-731-8493
MUSEUMS
CROCKER ART MUSEUM 916-808-7000 CrockerArt.org
OPTOMETRY
CAMERON YEE, O.D. 6407 Riverside Blvd., 916-395-0673 DrCameronYee@aol.com
PERFORMING ARTS
BROADWAY SACRAMENTO
Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center 916-557-1999 BroadwaySacramento.com
MONDAVI CENTER UC Davis mondaviarts.org
PEST MANAGEMENT
EARTH GUARD PEST SERVICES 916-457-7605 contact@earthguardpest.com
PHARMACY
PUCCI’S PHARMACY 3257 Folsom Blvd., 916-442-5891 www.puccirx.com
REAL ESTATE
BEAZER HOMES R21 By Beazer Homes 916-246-6044 Beazer.com
COLDWELL BANKER Chip O’Neill, 808-300-9932 cell www.chiponeill.com Mark T. Peters, 916-600-2039 www.MarkPeters.biz
MCMARTIN REALTY Brian McMartin, 916-402-4160 brian@brianmcmartin.com McMartinRealty.com
WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE Lori Pennell, 916-54 7-8793
R A I N B O W F U N D
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If you would
