LARGEST GAY MEDIA COMPANY IN US CLOSES

America’s largest gay media company, which published a number of gay publications, was unexpectedly shut down over the weekend.

Window Media was the company behind the recently suspended Genre magazine as well as numerous LGBT newspapers including the Washington Blade, the Dallas Voice and the Southern Voice.

Surprised staff arrived at work on Monday to find themselves locked out of the offices by the Small Business Administration.

A note was posted on the door reading: “It is with great regret that we must inform you that effective immediately, the operations of Window Media, LLC and Unite Media, LLC have closed down. Please return to this office on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 11:00 AM to collect personal belongings and to receive information on your separation stipulations.”

The company, which has been struggling due to the recession, will reportedly file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy which will mean the liquidation of the company and its assets.

The historic Washington Blade newspaper was founded in 1969, shortly after the Stonewall Riots in New York. Staff members of the Blade said that they are planning to star another publication under a new name.