Erik Niewiarowski (Knee-vor-ow-ski) they/them

What do you do at PinkNews? I help drive the development and execution of initiatives to enhance audience engagement and elevate PinkNews’ presence in the digital media landscape, specifically the PinkNews website. I bridge the gap between the product and content teams. Occasionally I get the opportunity to tell the stories of LGBTQ+ business owners, leaders and founders to show that queer people can be themselves at work.

What is your Roman Empire? After 20 years of not playing, I helped to set up Gender Goals FC, a new football club for trans, non-binary and gender-diverse people in Glasgow. As far as we know, we’re the only team like this in Scotland. Not only has the club reignited my love for a sport I didn’t think I could participate in competitively, but it’s also created a new community, giving a whole bunch of wonderfully diverse people a safe space to be their authentic selves. Turns out, I’m still pretty good at blocking shots!

Best moment at PinkNews so far? The opportunity to create a new content vertical focused on career and professional development for the LGBTQ+ community. I came out much later in life, and I am certain that hiding a big part of my life got in the way of my career growth when I was younger. Being able to write about the experiences of queer business owners and leaders shows everyone in the LGBTQ+ community that they can be their authentic selves and can advance their careers and professional lives. It’s been so rewarding.