Founder of Los Angeles Blade, Gay City News Remembered as a Champion for LGBTQ Rights
Troy Masters, the publisher of the Los Angeles Blade and an icon in LGBTQ media, has died at the age of 63, the publication announced Wednesday. The Blade described Masters’ death as “unexpected.”
Masters launched the Los Angeles Blade in 2017 as a sister publication to the Washington Blade, the nation’s oldest LGBTQ newspaper. Before his work in Los Angeles, he founded Gay City News in New York City, solidifying his legacy as a champion of LGBTQ representation in media.
Troy Masters’ family members, including his mother Josie Kirkland, and sister Tammy Masters, released a statement, “We are shocked and devastated by the loss of Troy, He was a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ community and leaves a tremendous legacy of fighting for social justice and equality. We ask for your prayers and for privacy as we mourn this unthinkable loss. We will announce details of a celebration of life in the near future.”
“All of us at the Los Angeles Blade and Washington Blade are heartbroken by the loss of our colleague. Troy Masters is a pioneer who championed LGBTQ rights as well as best-in-class journalism for our community. We will miss his passion and his tireless dedication to the Los Angeles queer community.
We would like to thank the readers, advertisers, and supporters of the Los Angeles Blade, which will continue under the leadership of our local editor Gisselle Palomera, the entire Blade family in D.C. and L.A., and eventually under a new publisher.” wrote the Los Angeles Blade in an online statement.
Masters was widely respected for his dedication to amplifying LGBTQ voices and covering issues critical to the community. His publications became vital resources for news, advocacy, and cultural coverage, shaping the conversation around LGBTQ rights for decades.
Tributes to the publisher were published on social media throughout the day, underscoring his importance to the community and his powerful impact.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles is deeply saddened by the passing of Troy Masters, publisher of the Los Angeles Blade. Troy was not only a steadfast supporter and partner of the Chorus for many years, but also a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. His unwavering commitment to social justice and equality leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire us all. Our thoughts are with Troy’s loved ones, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched. He will be greatly missed.
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur: “I am terribly saddened to hear of the passing of Troy Masters. A pillar in the LGBTQ+ community in his many roles, he has covered life in our community & the challenges of our fight for civil rights & social justice. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his family & friends.”
Los Angeles County Supervisor, Lindsay Horvath: “My heart breaks hearing this news. Troy Masters was one of a kind, relentless in his journalistic pursuits, and devoted to educating & uplifting the LGBTQ+ community. We will miss his humor, his wit, and his huge heart. Rest in power, my friend.”
Cyd Zeigler, Outsports: “Very sad to hear of the passing of The Los Angeles Blade publisher Troy Masters. Thinking of his family and friends, and everyone at the Blade.”
The cause of death and details about memorial services have not yet been released. We will update the story should more information come to light.
