The Los Angeles chapter of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists is set to celebrate Southern California journalists and newsrooms at its second annual Press Pride Prom journalism awards gala on May 9, 2026, at the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

The ceremony will honor Greg Gordon and Lucia Chappelle of This Way Out Radio with the Troy Masters Legacy Award for Visionaries in Media. Presented in collaboration with the Los Angeles Blade, the award honors a journalist or news media professional whose work reflects a dedication to the craft of journalism. The award is named in honor of Troy Masters, veteran queer journalist and former publisher of the Los Angeles Blade. Chappelle will accept the award in person at the ceremony, as Gordon passed away earlier this year.

“For nearly 40 years, This Way Out Radio, which was founded here in Southern California, has diligently captured the stories of LGBTQ+ people from around the world,” said Hansen Bursic, President of the Los Angeles chapter of NLGJA, “Gordon and Chappelle’s work is the true embodyment of this award, and we are thrilled to honor them and their history-making outlet.”

This award is one of four being presented during the event. These awards honor Southern California-based journalists and newsrooms who did exceptional LGBTQ+ coverage in 2025. You can read about each award and the nominees below.

Press Pride Prom is a benefit for NLGJA LA’s LGBTQ+ youth journalism scholarship and is set to take place at the Los Angeles LGBT Center from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 9 in Hollywood. The event offers LGBTQ+ and other attendees the opportunity to relive their high school prom as their authentic selves. 

The event’s principal sponsors include Award Sponsor ABC7, Step & Repeat Sponsors APLA Health and the Los Angeles LGBT Center, and Supporting Sponsor First Entertainment Credit Union. The event will be hosted by viral drag queen Ericka Qwerk, AKA Lauren Banall, and will feature food, drinks, live music, and more.

Early bird tickets are on sale now until Sunday, April 19. Tables and regular tickets will also be available to purchase through May 4, 2026, space permitting. You can learn more and get tickets here: https://lanlgja.betterworld.org/events/press-pride-prom-2026