Linda Birner

I first met Linda many years ago when I painted the exterior of the MGW offices and learned then that she was particular about the way she needed things done-i actually liked that. We crossed paths again when she volunteered to have her garden featured on local GAY (garden and yard) tour which raised money for athletes and artists attending the Gay Games. she was an avid gardener and staunch supporter of worthy causes and helped to encourage her friends to participate in the following years. We stayed in touch and she became a client at STYLEYES, when she first came in we tried on a lot of eyewear and one gorgeous red pair which was great on her. She said "No, I can't do those, they're just too bold" to which I replied "Linda, really, too bold-trust me you will love these" and when we called a few days later to check on her, she loved them, everyone else loved them-and she ended up in red eyewear from then on.
Linda was truly one of a kind with her passions, wide ranging interests and pursuits-she had a wicked humour and a wide streak of stubborn but was a loving, caring soul who led the GBLT community into the future - she really is a hero and will be immensely missed. I was so fortunate to know her.

I have far too many special memories of Linda, but my very favorite is the day she introduced me to my partner, spouse and best friend Tina, almost 33 years ago, and the many times after that day she reminded us both that we owed her! So many fun times, so many political battles, so many deep discussions we had together. I am forever thankful for having had her in my life. Rosy

I was thankful to Linda for giving me my first opportunity to write for, and be a part of a newspaper. That is was an LGBT newspaper made it even more special. She was a tough nut, and you had to be in those days. She changed the Sacramento LGBTQ landscape in Sacramento at a time when it desperately needed that visibility.

So many in our community are standing on the shoulders of Linda! Forever grateful for her unmatched contribution to us all

Linda was a friend for many years. If it wasn´t for Mom Guess What and Linda I would not have met my husband Ken. I answered an ad in the newspaper in 1998 for an over 40s mixer for gay men at Josephs Town and Country in DelPaso Heights. We met there and have been together ever since. She literally changed our lives thank you sweetheart, and rest in peace

For over 15 years I wrote the opera reviews for MGW. Linda was wonderful to work with. She was a big supporter of diversity in the MGW content and really valued the arts. I was really sorry to see her give up the newspaper.

I met Linda in a local pub and we had a very in-depth conversation about local politics. Later she would review several of my poems and requested to publish them, but I just wasn´t that brave, yet. We would run into each other and chat over the years & it was always thought provoking & fun. Forever grateful for all you´ve done.

I'll always remember our trip on the 70' sailboat - opening day of the bay. I was terrified! Linda, on the other hand, was having the time of her life. Nothing half way about our Linda! She will be missed.

Arthur Rezanka & I knew Linda from many years ago at Sac State. She was a pioneer then and throughput her life. We had recently connected and planned to get together when I came out from the East coast. May her memory be a blessing. From Lorill Bean.

For a brief period I took photos for MGW. And was in a few too. She was a wonderful woman, mentor and bright North Star!

Rembering the best of times with family and friends.

Thank you, Linda, for your strength, courage, and advocacy for the LGBT+ community. You made a huge difference countless people´s lives.