The esteemed LGBTQ+ media advocacy organization, GLAAD, has announced that it will award Q.Digital with the prestigious Barbara Gittings Award for Excellence in LGBTQ Media. This honor recognizes the significant contributions of Q.Digital, a company dedicated to amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and stories through its various media platforms.
"Barbara Gittings understood the transformative power of LGBTQ+ media in fostering community and inspiring action," said Scott Gatz, CEO of Q.Digital. "We are profoundly honored to continue her legacy, especially in today’s challenging times."
The Barbara Gittings Award for Excellence in LGBTQ Media is named after the pioneering activist who championed the visibility and representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in media. Gittings was instrumental in creating spaces where LGBTQ+ stories could be told and heard, and this award continues her mission by recognizing media outlets that uphold these values.
In the past, the award has been bestowed upon notable publications such as the Washington Blade and the LA Blade in 2023, Curve magazine founder Franco Stevens in 2022, and the Windy City Times in 2021.
Founded in 2008, Q.Digital is a queer-owned and operated media company. Its mission is to create a world where everyone can freely express their authentic selves and live fulfilling lives. Q.Digital operates a suite of websites including LGBTQ Nation, Queerty, INTO, Outsports, and GayCities. Each of these platforms serves to highlight diverse LGBTQ+ experiences across various facets of life.
One of Q.Digital's standout projects is the "Ballin’ Out" series on Outsports, which has been nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for online short-form video. This five-part series shares the compelling stories of LGBTQ+ athletes and coaches involved with Team USA’s women’s wheelchair basketball team as they prepared for the World Championships.
Scott Gatz emphasized the critical role of LGBTQ+ media that is owned and operated by members of the community. "Throughout the years, we’ve seen mainstream outlets launch LGBTQ+ specific sites, only to see them fade away over time," Gatz noted. "Being an LGBTQ+ owned and operated company, we have a commitment to our community that mainstream companies often lack. Our passion for our mission is evident in everything we do."
Q.Digital's dedication to fostering an inclusive media space is a testament to the power of self-representation. By creating content that speaks directly to the LGBTQ+ experience, Q.Digital ensures that vital stories are not only told but celebrated.
As Q.Digital continues to push the boundaries of LGBTQ+ media, its commitment to community and authenticity remains unwavering. The Barbara Gittings Award for Excellence in LGBTQ Media serves as both a recognition of past efforts and an encouragement for future endeavors.
"We are proud to be recognized by GLAAD," Gatz concluded. "This award is a reminder of the importance of our work and the impact it has on the lives of our audience."
For those looking to stay informed about the latest developments in LGBTQ+ news and culture, subscribing to Q.Digital’s newsletters offers a front-row seat to the stories that shape our world.
As the landscape of LGBTQ+ media continues to evolve, companies like Q.Digital play an essential role in ensuring that all voices are heard and respected, paving the way for a more inclusive future.
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