Troy Masters, an American journalist and LGBTQ advocate, died by suicide last month. He was 63.
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Tammy Masters, Troy’s sister, confirmed the passing to Gay City News. The family issued a statement about Troy’s sudden and shocking loss.
“We are shocked and devastated by the loss of Troy,” the statement reads. “He was a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ community and leaves a tremendous legacy of fighting for social justice and equality.”
Tammy asked for prayers on behalf of her and Troy’s mother, Josie Kirkland, who she says is experiencing serious health challenges and now trauma of the “unthinkable loss” of her son.
Paul Schindler of Gay City News further stated he worked daily alongside Masters for 20 years.
“We were always in total agreement that the work we were doing was important and that any story we delved into had to be done right,” Schindler also said. “There were always new lessons I learned from him about the forces driving the media market and the ways in which LGBTQ culture was evolving and diversifying. On those scores, Masters had an innate and special kind of genius.”
Masters is survived by his sister and mother, his father, Jimmy Davis Masters, and his former partner and friend of 23 years, Arturo Jiminez.
The LGBTQ Community Mourns Troy Masters After Journalist Dies By Suicide
Following the news that Troy Masters died by suicide, members of the LGBTQ community mourned the loss. GLAAD Chief Communications Officer Rich Ferraro released a statement about the late journalist.
“Troy advanced the power and impact of LGBTQ media in historic ways,” Ferraro stated.
Ferraro also described Masters as a “relentless, passionate, and beloved leader in the LGBTQ community.
“[He] helped create groundbreaking stories and news coverage,” Ferraro continued. “That will continue to better our community for years to come. We mourn with his colleagues, family, and friends.”
The Blade management team also released a statement.
“All of us at the Los Angeles Blade and Washington Blade are heartbroken by the loss of our colleague,” the statement reads. “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.”
The team further thanked readers, advertisers, and supporters of the Los Angeles Blade.
“It will continue under the leadership of our local editor, Gisselle Palomera, the entire Blade family in D.C. and L.A.,” the team added. “And eventually under a new publisher.”