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Proud reflections during Pride Month

Mitch, a supported employee at Multicap is celebrating Pride Month by sharing their incredible journey as a member of the LGBTIQ+ community and the welcome support he has received from colleagues and workplace.

Mitch has worked at Monte Lupo Cafes in Banyo and Eight Mile Plains for the past five years which he admits is something that still surprises him due to their mental impairment and self-confidence.

“Five years ago, I could see the light of the world but didn’t belief that it was for me,” Mitch said. “I never thought I could get a job, let alone keep a job, and during my first year I thought I was going to get fired.

“Today things are so different, I wouldn’t recognise the 2017 version of myself. I’ve gone from not wanting to be seen or heard to now loving life, knowing I’m allowed to have fun, enjoy my job and have good things in life.

“I love getting to see all the happy faces at both café locations. Staff are so encouraging and patient of supported employees, and best of all the café leadership and Job Coaches make working here so good.

“I work in an awesome environment. I have never felt more at ease working for an organisation with so many awesome people and I feel comfortable to give my all here,” he said.

Mitch explains that the supportive and comfortable work environment at Multicap and the colourful shoelaces are what contributed to him being able to share their identity.

“One day I was working alongside a respected and trusted colleague while wearing my rainbow shoelaces when they commented that they liked them. I responded saying that I was part of the ‘alphabet mafia’ before I even realised what I had declared.

“Since that day, the colleagues that know I’m pansexual have been awesome, they are asking theMulticap’s Business Manager Hospitality, Michael Knowles has seen Mitch’s confidence and happiness at work blossom since commenting on the shoelaces.

“Mitch has really come out of their shell in the past 12 months, and I couldn’t be prouder of the positive changes he has made here at work,” Michael said.

Being a proud member of the LGBTIQ+ community, Mitch explains that society recognising and celebrating Pride Month each June means everything.

“It means we are seen, we are heard, we are loud, we are proud, we have voice and thing are looking better for us as a community. There’s still a long way to go but are getting there!”

Mitch’s mum is extremely proud of their accomplishments.

“My mum has seen my confidence grow while working at Multicap. She has seen me kick down confidence barriers that were stopping me.

“I’m excited for the future now,” he said.

Mitch hopes that next steps will involve being promoted to Job Coach at Monte Lupo Café – or as he says, “do a Jess”.


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