Remembering Stanford Altamirano, founder of LA’s The Fight
by Mark Ariel
(Mark Ariel is the managing editor of The Fight magazine, based in Los Angeles. The following Editor Letter appears in the September 2025 issue of the magazine and is reprinted here with permission.)
Stanford Altamirano, the visionary founder, publisher, and editor in chief of The Fight, passed away last month following a long battle with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare form of head and neck cancer. He was 51 years old.
Stanford launched The Fight in 2011 with a mission to create a more diverse and inclusive platform for the entire queer community, particularly for segments that were often underrepresented. A dedicated advocate, he was also passionate about the recovery community, and he created the magazine’s “The Share” column to highlight individuals’ stories of sobriety and hope.
Stanford Altamirano’s memory will be cherished by the many lives he touched and the love he shared. His legacy calls on us to honor his life by cherishing our loved ones and living each day with kindness and purpose.
On a more personal note, I was privileged to spend the past 30 years of my life with Stanford. While his loss is excruciatingly painful, I am grateful that he is no longer in pain.
Thank you Stanford for the love, the laughter, the loyalty, the generosity and the memories.
We will be together again, sometime down the road. I love you. Rest In Power.
GUEST COMMENTARY
Volume 27
Issue 7
