Q.Digital Honored with Prestigious LGBTQ Media Award by GLAAD

The LGBTQ+ community is celebrating a significant recognition as Q.Digital, a prominent queer-owned media company, has been awarded the prestigious Barbara Gittings Award for Excellence in LGBTQ Media by GLAAD. This accolade highlights the pivotal role that dedicated LGBTQ+ media plays in shaping and supporting the community.

Scott Gatz, the CEO of Q.Digital, expressed profound gratitude for the award, reflecting on the legacy of Barbara Gittings, a renowned advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation in media. "Barbara Gittings understood the power of LGBTQ+ media to build community and inspire action," said Gatz. "We’re humbled to carry on that legacy, especially during times like these."

Gittings' influence as the editor of "The Ladder," the first widely distributed lesbian publication in the United States before the Stonewall riots, set a precedent for the importance of authentic LGBTQ+ storytelling. Gatz hopes that Q.Digital’s work continues to resonate with its audience, echoing Gittings’ impactful vision.

A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Media Excellence

Q.Digital, established in 2008, is committed to creating a world where everyone can live authentically and freely. Its suite of media platforms, including prominent outlets like Queerty, INTO, Outsports, and GayCities, provides rich and diverse content that speaks directly to the LGBTQ+ audience.

One of the remarkable achievements of Q.Digital is its site Outsports, which has been nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for its compelling online short-form video series "Ballin’ Out." This five-part series showcases the inspiring stories of LGBTQ+ athletes and coaches involved with Team USA’s women’s wheelchair basketball team as they prepared for the World Championships.

The award not only acknowledges the quality of Q.Digital’s media offerings but also underscores the importance of LGBTQ+ media being owned and operated by members of the community. Gatz emphasized the unique perspective and commitment that comes from being a queer-owned entity. "Over the years we’ve seen mainstream outlets launch LGBTQ+ specific sites only to see them wither on the vine a few years later," he noted. "As an LGBTQ+ owned and operated company, we’re dedicated to our community in a way mainstream companies cannot be. We’re passionate about what we do, and I hope that shows in all our work."

Continuing the Legacy

This recognition follows a line of esteemed past recipients of the Barbara Gittings Award, including notable publications and individuals such as the Washington Blade, LA Blade, and Curve magazine founder Franco Stevens. Each recipient has played a vital role in advocating for and uplifting the voices of the LGBTQ+ community through media.

Q.Digital’s achievement highlights the ongoing need for dedicated and authentic LGBTQ+ media representation. As the company continues to evolve and expand its reach, it remains committed to telling the stories that matter most to its audience.

"Before Stonewall, when Barbara Gittings [was editor of] The Ladder, she recognized the importance of telling our stories and seeing that we are all part of a bigger community," Gatz remarked. "My hope is that we’re doing the same thing for our readers and I am humbled that the GLAAD team thinks we are."

For those interested in keeping abreast of developments within the LGBTQ+ community, Q.Digital offers newsletters that provide the latest political news and insights, ensuring that readers are always informed and connected.

In a media landscape where authenticity and representation are increasingly valued, Q.Digital stands out as a beacon of excellence in LGBTQ+ media, carrying forward the torch of pioneers like Barbara Gittings. The company’s ongoing success and recognition underscore its vital role in supporting and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community worldwide.