Introducing Multiverse's LGBTQ+ Network - Prism
(5 min read)
Welcome to PRISM!
PRISM stands for Pride, Respect, Inclusion, and Safety at Multiverse, and is Multiverse Community’s new LGBTQ+ Network. It was created to give LGBTQ+ individuals a safe and comfortable space to start conversations surrounding any topics related to the community, to drive positivity, and to help support each other through any challenges that may be faced. This is also a place for allies to feel accepted and learn from our experiences to again create a more diverse and inclusive community as a whole.
We all have our own unique story in life and want to give everyone the ability to openly discuss those, and to feel empowered to drive a positive change. This network is built on a confidential ideology, meaning that everyone's safety is our priority.
We will also be looking heavily into how being a part of the LGBTQ+ community within the workplace can differ and what should be done to ensure that there are equal opportunities, free of discrimination for all members. As apprentices, we all come from different workplaces and can utilise this knowledge to help one another to feel confident and to be their true selves at work.
To kick things off, meet your three new PRISM co-chairs!
Steph Preston (they/them)
Digital Marketing Apprentice - Non-binary
Why did you initially want to get involved with PRISM?
I wanted to build a network of LGBTQ+ Community Members, not only to support one another professionally but personally as well. There’s a massive need for more spaces that allow LGBTQ+ people to connect and network, while also providing support and help to those who need it.
What are you looking forward to the most about being a co-chair?
I’m most looking forward to watching the Network grow and watching people form new connections and friendships. I want the Network to be a space where people feel confident being their authentic selves, and where allies don’t feel afraid to ask questions and are open to learning.
What’s one thing that everyone should know about you?
I used to work at Lush so can, and will, talk about skincare and self-care for hours!
Which LGBTQ+ figure(s) do you think more people need to know about?
Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera.
Jon Dookie (he/him)
Community Programmes Associate - Queer cis man
Why did you initially want to get involved with PRISM?
I want to be part of creating a safe, supportive and educational space for LGBTQ+ Community Members. I want to utilize my leadership and communication skills to create this space and I am excited to watch it grow and see what we can achieve.
What are you looking forward to the most about being a co-chair?
I think meeting other LGBTQ+ people and hearing different people’s experiences in both their professional and personal life is something that I am excited about. People have such a range of different experiences and being able to hear that in this safe space is something that I look forward to championing as a co-chair. I really enjoy raising others up!
What’s one thing that everyone should know about you?
I am super bubbly and I love to meet new people, also I love cows, especially the highland ones that are super fluffy!
Which LGBTQ+ Figure(s) do you think more people need to know about?
RuPaul
Josh Pooley (he/him)
Advanced Data Fellowship - Gay Cis Man
Why did you initially want to get involved with PRISM?
I wanted to get involved to connect with those from the community who are different to myself so that I can become better educated in areas where I might lack but also to potentially bring some of my past experiences to help others in need of support.
What are you looking forward to the most about being a co-chair?
I am really looking forward to connecting with various different individuals from the community and being able to create a safe space for us all to feel free and open without any prejudice.
What’s one thing that everyone should know about you?
I really enjoy gaming! From time to time I stream to Twitch (not so much anymore though, sadly).
Which LGBTQ+ figure(s) do you think more people need to know about?
Ian McKellen & Peter Tatchell (I cannot choose just one!)
We’re always open to suggestions for events and content, whether it’s just an idea or if you want to create content for us.
We are all super excited to hit the ground running with this and can’t wait to hear from you all.