Queens has a long history of tolerance. Over three centuries ago, the Quakers of Queens - then the Dutch colony of New Netherlands - fought for the right to practice religion freely. By signing the Flushing Remonstrance, they laid the foundation for the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

To this day, the borough supports those who might otherwise be relegated to the fringes of American Society. People from around the world settle in Queens, which has earned a national reputation as a melting pot.

Of course the borough is also home to a sizable gay population and on June 1, the Queens Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender Pride Parade will color the streets of Jackson Heights as it has for the past 16 years.

But when the floats are deflated, the crowds dispersed and the costumes returned, the gay community will have to continue to fight for their rights. Inside this edition we will present a number of stories that celebrate gay culture in Queens. But we will also provide a well-rounded look at the gay experience in order to address the question of whether equality exits or remains an urban myth.