Bob Ross (1934 – 2003) was a pioneering American publisher and activist, best known as the co-founder and longtime publisher of Bay Area Reporter (B.A.R.), the nation’s oldest continuously published LGBTQ+ newspaper. Born in New York City, Ross moved to San Francisco in 1956, where he worked as a chef before transitioning into publishing. In 1971, he and Paul Bentley launched B.A.R. to provide the gay community with reliable news and information, countering the sensationalism of earlier publications. The paper quickly gained prominence, serving as a vital resource during the early years of the AIDS epidemic and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Ross’s leadership extended beyond journalism; he was a co-founder of the Tavern Guild, an organization that helped bar employees combat police harassment. He also served on the Golden Gate Bridge District Board and the San Francisco Ballet Board of Trustees. In 1996, Ross established the Bob Ross Foundation, supporting LGBTQ+ nonprofits. He passed away in 2003, but his legacy endures through the ongoing work of B.A.R. and the foundation’s contributions to the community.