From Gaywired to Pink Media: Matt Skallerud's Impact on LGBTQ Media

The Adventure Calls Podcast

Join us on Adventure Calls as we traverse the evolving landscape of LGBTQ travel media with industry pioneer Matt Skallerud. Uncover the pivotal intersection of marketing and true queer-friendly destinations, discovering if the places that woo you as a traveler are ready to embrace you as a local. Dive into a compelling conversation that redefines the meaning of inclusive tourism and genuine welcome.
In this episode of Adventure Calls, we're delighted to feature Matt Skallerud, a luminary in LGBTQ online media and the president of Pink Media. His 30-year journey began with the pioneering gaywired.com and shewired.com and led to working with an extensive network of LGBTQ-focused online destinations. A former board chairman of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), Matt has lent his expertise to multiple boards including Travel Gay Canada. Today, he heads Pink Media and the impactful #ILoveGay Network, which aids queer-owned companies in reaching LGBTQ demographics through refined content marketing and social media strategies. An advocate for LGBTQ businesses globally, Matt shares his insights on what it takes to craft queer-friendly travel destinations that resonate with both locals and visitors alike. Join us as we explore the intersection of marketing and genuine LGBTQ-friendly spaces with industry authority, Matt Skallerud.

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

1. Matt Skallerud of Pink Media shares his journey from starting one of the first LGBTQ websites, gaywired.com, to now helping companies target the LGBTQ demographic through social media and content marketing.
2. Destinations around the world seek Matt's expertise to market themselves as LGBTQ-friendly and appeal to queer travelers, highlighting the importance of authenticity in their marketing strategies.
3. The discussion explores the difference between destinations that are LGBTQ-friendly for tourists versus being truly welcoming and inclusive for locals and expats who are part of the LGBTQ community.
4. Matt reflects on the evolution of LGBTQ travel and how the concept of "gayborhoods" is changing as the community becomes more integrated into mainstream society.
5. The episode touches upon the distinct travel and living experiences of the LGBTQ population and emphasizes the ongoing need for safe, inclusive, and welcoming destinations globally.

Find Jessica Drucker online:

Website:www.rainbowrelo.com
How To Move Abroad Book: www.jessicadrucker.com/book
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainbowrelo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/queerexpats

Find Matt online:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattskal/
PinkMedia: https://www.pinkmedia.lgbt/
Website: https://dot.cards/mattskal