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Former Publisher Of Gay Magazine Commits Suicide

Michael G. Portantino
San Diego Gay & Lesbian News
Michael G. Portantino

The former publisher of the San Diego Gay & Lesbian Times committed suicide Wednesday night, according to an investigator with the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Michael G. Portantino, 52, was found just after 8 p.m. lying on the sidewalk by passersby in front of Park Manor Suites near Balboa Park.

The Gay & Lesbian Times ceased publication in September, citing financial and legal problems.

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The family released a statement describing Portantino as a life-long fighter: “He provided tireless and unmatched support for the LGBT community and advocated for respect and dignity for all Californians . . . He made us laugh, he made us think and sometimes he even made us angry as he challenged us all to live our lives to their fullest potential and with complete, absolute commitment to one another for the betterment of our neighborhoods, communities and country.”