Besties Reveal What B.A.R. Readers Like

When we started the Besties survey five years ago, the Bay Area Reporter had turned 40 and we thought it would be a great way to hear from readers about what they liked in the LGBT community and beyond.

Over the years, the survey has increased in popularity. In short, readers like voting for their favorites in various categories, and we try to keep it fresh by adding new categories and retiring others. Some favorites never change, however, and it's a testament to readers that a lot of them have strong opinions.

This year, our sixth annual poll coincides with the B.A.R. 's 45th anniversary. As most people know, the print media business isn't exactly robust - and hasn't been for several years - with newspaper closings and consolidations all too common. Those of us in LGBT print media that are surviving have done so by adapting to the digital landscape and providing original content. Honestly, the B.A.R. is working on the former, and excels in the latter.

So, we're proud to be here as we start our 45th year, and look forward to the challenges ahead.

But back to the Besties.

Readers will find write-ups about this year's honorees throughout all three sections of the paper - news, arts and culture, and BARtab .

We'd like to thank the winners who attended our photo shoot at Oasis - they are an eclectic group of artists, entertainers, business people, athletes, and others who make San Francisco's LGBT community shine like no other.

We'd also like to acknowledge this year's Besties sponsors Alaska Airlines, Maui Sunseeker, Oasis, La Mediterranee, Stanford Court, and Hangar 1 vodka.

Enjoy reading about this year's Bestie winners.