By: Hannah Scot
You know, sometimes people say that if you try to do too many things, you won’t excel at any of them. But, that’s not always the case as Scott Gatz has proven this notion wrong.
Scott has managed to blend his love for TV news and a passion for tech, turning it into something remarkable. He created the empire that is Q.Digital, a one-stop shop for fantastic queer content. Scott is considered a true LGBTQ media leader with a deep passion for promoting queer media that comes from a deeply personal connection to the community.
So, let’s dive into Scott’s professional journey, which is full of diverse experiences.
He started as a lead PM for My Yahoo and re-launched it with many features that are still in place. Over about a decade, he worked his way up to lead the Advanced Products Group, when he essentially drove a “startup within a big company,” creating new cutting-edge products.
His experience at Yahoo! helped him gain valuable insights into building scalable internet services. But for Scott, it went beyond just technical know-how. He saw the untapped potential for LGBTQ-focused projects and initiatives to grow online, and that’s when the lightbulb went on in his head.
He realized that there was no online space for the LGBTQ community at the time. He knew his expertise could act as a powerful tool for developing such a digital haven for the community. Scott says, “As a gay man, I wanted to create something that meant something to my community.”
Scott was determined to ensure that the voices of the queer community weren’t just heard but also celebrated and given the respect they deserved. He had this burning desire to lift LGBTQ voices and put them right at the forefront of the media. His vision came to life in 2008 when he launched Q. Digital, which owns and operates Queerty, GayCities, INTO, LGBTQ Nation, and Outsports. It became a platform that served up content that truly resonated with queer individuals.
Now, let’s flip the page and look at Scott’s achievements in promoting the LGBTQ+ community. Queerty, one of the sites under Q.Digital, quickly became the go-to source for queer entertainment and cultural content. It became a space where queer individuals could find stories that reflected their lives. With innovative strategies, Scott nurtured Queerty’s growth, expanding its reach and influence within the community.
Building the LGBTQ digital representation was not easy for Scott, as he faced numerous challenges along the way. The complexity of the media scene, with its various social media platforms and diverse viewpoints, made it even more daunting.
Each social media platform has its unique algorithm for targeting the intended audience, adding to the challenge. And let’s not overlook the difficulties on the business side of things, such as advertising and gain generation, which can be quite challenging.
Scott emphasized the importance of visibility, audience engagement, and collaboration with agencies to achieve their desired outcomes. Let’s be honest; creating a digital platform is far from a walk in the park. It is a complex and demanding undertaking. However, Scott’s unwavering dedication to his community made it all possible. He shattered barriers and pushed boundaries to create a brighter future where the next generations can embrace personal choices and celebrate love.
When you put this much effort into something and combine your skills and experience, there’s no way it goes unnoticed. Scott’s LGBTQ Nation‘s Authentic Voices of Pride, presented by Chevrolet, won the Shorty award, and his sites became leading brands in the LGBTQ market, ranked number one in Comscore.
Over the past three years, people have recognized his efforts and the innovative and authentic content he brings. That’s why he’s landing advertising deals and collaborations.
Scott Gatz’s career shift from being an expert in intersecting technology and media to LGBTQ media is because of his passion and connection to the community. Scott’s impact has been nothing short of extraordinary, from his early days at Yahoo! to founding Q.Digital and driving Queerty’s growth.
So, head over to Scott’s Instagram to get inspiration for spending a life on your terms with freedom, and check out Queerty for some unique queer content. Go out there and enjoy life to the fullest!
Published By: Aize Perez
