The abrupt closure this week of the nation’s LGBT “paper of record,” the 40-year-old Washington Blade, sent shockwaves through LGBT advocacy and media circles, but the paper’s staff is vowing to continue their work covering official Washington’s handling of LGBT politics and policy.

The group started a new Web site this week,  SaveTheBlade.com, to communicate to readers its intention to launch a news organization to replace the Blade.  It hopes to publish its first issue this Friday.

Former Blade editor Kevin Naff and publisher Lynne Brown have invited the community to meet the staff at a reception this evening at the Hard Rock Cafe.  See SaveTheBlade.com for more information.