Beth, an attorney, and Laura, an epidemiologist, have been partners for over 20 years. They came to San Francisco in the early 1980s and live there today with their son, Elias, and daughter, Maia. Photo: Karen Schuster

Today

The San Francisco Bay Area continues to be a center for gay men and lesbians from around the world. Statistics drawn from the 2000 Census indicate that the city has the highest percentage of same-sex households in the nation, although gay men outnumber lesbians. Oakland, across the bay from San Francisco, has the nation's largest population of female same-sex couples. San Francisco also is consistently rated as the top destination for gay and lesbian tourists worldwide. Its annual Pride Parade attracts more than a half-million spectators and participants every June. It is the second-largest festival in California next to the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. 

Personal Stories

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