Stanford Altamirano, RIP
As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect on the pioneers, artists, and advocates who shaped queer culture. From the founders of our media to the legends of the stage, these individuals redefined visibility and fought for a world where living authentically was possible.
Pioneers of Advocacy and Media
Stanford Altamirano (51): In August 2025, we lost our founder and Editor-In-Chief of THE FIGHT, Stanford Altamirano, following a courageous and private battle with adenoid cystic carcinoma. Stanford was a visionary in queer media. He dedicated his life to showcasing often underrepresented segments of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that marginalized voices had both a platform and a champion.
Wenne Alton Davis (60): The queer community mourned the loss of actor Wenne Alton Davis, who died after being hit by a car in New York City on December 8, 2025. Davis was a familiar face on screen, best known for their work in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Normal Heart, and Rescue.
Miss Major Griffin-Gracy (78): A veteran of the Stonewall Uprising and a “Mother” to the trans rights movement. Her lifelong work for trans women of color and incarcerated queer people remains the blueprint for modern activism.
Loren Ruch (55): A prominent television executive and HGTV veteran who championed diverse storytelling and queer representation behind the scenes in media.
Icons of Screen and Stage
Stanley Baxter (99): The legendary Scottish actor and impressionist, who came out late in life, passed just shy of a century. He left behind a legacy of transformative comedy that challenged British gender norms.
Richard Chamberlain (90): Once the “King of the Miniseries,” the Thorn Birds star became a symbol of courage for older generations of gay actors when he chose to live his truth openly in his later years.
Anthony Geary (78): The General Hospital legend and record-breaking Emmy winner was remembered for his immense talent and his dignified life as an out actor in the soap opera world.
Udo Kier (81): A cult cinema titan and muse to directors like Gus Van Sant, Kier’s unique presence and unapologetic queerness made him a permanent fixture in avant-garde and horror history.
Jonathan Joss (59): Best known as the voice of John Redcorn on King of the Hill, Joss was a vital voice for Indigenous LGBTQ+ (Two-Spirit) visibility.
Visionaries of Fashion, Literature, and Music
Giorgio Armani (91): A titan who redefined global style, Armani’s influence spanned over half a century. His passing marks the end of an era for the Italian fashion house he built into a global empire.
Edmund White (85): The “Godfather of Gay Literature.” As a founding member of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis and author of A Boy’s Own Story, he chronicled the gay experience with unmatched honesty.
Jill Sobule (66): The singer-songwriter who gave the community the 1995 anthem “I Kissed a Girl,” Sobule was a witty, defiant voice who paved the way for queer themes in pop music.
Contemporary Queer Culture
The Vivienne (James Lee Williams, 32): The drag world was shattered by the loss of the first RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner. A powerhouse of comedy and glamour, she brought British drag to a global stage.
Jiggly Caliente (44): A beloved Drag Race alumna and Pose actress. As a proud trans woman of Filipino descent, she was a beacon of resilience and “New York City” spirit.
Andrea Gibson (49): The legendary spoken-word poet whose work on queer love and terminal illness provided a lifeline to millions. Their vulnerability remained their greatest strength until the very end.
Raymond ‘Rolling Ray’ Harper (28): A viral star and disability advocate whose sharp wit and “It’s giving!” catchphrases made him a social media phenomenon.
Colton Ford (62): From adult film star to mainstream musician and actor, Ford was a rare figure who successfully navigated multiple industries while maintaining his status as a queer icon.
Tim Kruger (44): A prominent figure in the adult industry and gay media, Kruger was a vocal advocate for performer rights and health safety.
