June 30, 2025 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

Troy Masters, LGBTQ Media Icon and Publisher of the Los Angeles Blade Dies Unexpectedly at 63

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.

in NEWS
Related Posts

Tens of Thousands Defy Ban at Budapest Pride as Hungary Cracks Down on LGBTQ+ Rights

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Marchers Risk Fines and Jail Under New Law Targeting LGBTQ+ Gatherings Tens of thousands marched through the streets of Budapest...

California Judge Rules FAIR Plan’s Smoke Damage Policy Unlawful

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Court Says Wildfire Insurance Program Illegally Denied Claims Legal protections for California homeowners took a step forward this week after...

(Video) Culver City Residents and City and County Leaders Rally for Disappeared Ice Cream Man Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

US Representative for California’s 37th Congressional District, Sydney Kamlager-Dove Speaks About What is happening to the disappeared.

Drake Slashes Price on Beverly Hills Estate to $79 Million Amid Market Slowdown

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Price Cut Adds to a Broader Retreat From His Los Angeles Real Estate Holdings. Musician Drake has reduced the price...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

Cinespia Brings Fireworks and Fan Favorites to Hollywood Forever This July

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Watch Top Gun, La La Land, and More Under the Stars at Hollywood Forever Cinespia, Los Angeles’ iconic outdoor movie...

LGBTQ State Senator Scott Wiener Signals Bid to Succeed Pelosi in Congress

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Wiener Files Paperwork to Run for California’s 11th District in 2028 State Sen. Scott Wiener, a prominent Democrat representing San...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...

Corporate Pride Pullback: Major Brands Scale Down LGBTQ+ Support Under Trump’s Second Term

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Mastercard, Target, and Others Retreat From High-Profile Campaigns as Federal Policy Shifts Shifts in federal policy under President Donald Trump’s...

Community Seeks Answers After SF Drag Performer Detained by ICE

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Hilary Rivers Vanished After a Scheduled Immigration Appointment Members of San Francisco’s queer and trans communities gathered outside the local...

EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles Returns with Star Chefs, Firefighter Tribute, and Wildfire Relief Efforts

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Culinary Festival Features Exclusive Restaurant Collabs, Support for Small Businesses  EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles, the celebrated food festival curated by The...

Supporters to Gather This Weekend for Longtime Culver City Paleta Seller Held in Detention

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Family and Neighbors Will Gather Sunday to Sell Paletas and Raise Funds Supporters will gather this Sunday at Veterans Park...

Demolition Underway at Beverly Grove Squatter Site After Mystery Fire Renews Safety Fears

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Crews Begin Tearing Down Long-Vacant Apartments on First and Flores  Demolition has begun at a group of long-abandoned apartment buildings...

Indian Court Affirms Legal Protections for Transgender Women in Marriages

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Andhra Pradesh High Court Rejected Reproductive Ability Arguments  The Andhra Pradesh High Court has upheld the right of a transgender...

San Francisco Bookstore Drops J.K. Rowling Titles Over Trans Rights Controversy

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Booksmith Cites Author’s Advocacy Against Transgender Inclusion as Reason San Francisco’s Booksmith bookstore has removed all works by J.K. Rowling,...