Being LGBTQ+ in the Workplace - Alek Walker
(5 min read)
Alek is an Admissions Associate at Multiverse, completing a level 3 business administration apprenticeship.
Hi! Firstly, can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself and what you currently do?
Hey, I’m Alek, I’m 25 years old, the age where you kinda are still figuring things out. Born and raised in NYC. People would describe me as luxurious and someone who has amazing taste in fashion. I tend to be a bit shy at first but once you get to know me I’m not so reserved. I’m definitely coming into the person I want to be and the things I want to do, in life, and in my career. I’ve recently accepted an apprenticeship with Multiverse, as an Admissions Associate, where I’m supporting applicants through our admissions process. I’ve been able to speak to so many different people in this role. Learning their whys and their purpose. This program has the effect of changing so many lives. I would even go as far as saying that my life has changed significantly since joining the team here at Multiverse. I haven’t had this much support in my job experience thus far making Multiverse hands down my favorite place I’ve ever been employed.
What have your experiences been like being a part of the LGBTQ+ community in a work environment?
Since I originally have a background in luxury retail in NYC, I will say I haven’t had any negative experiences being gay in any of the workplaces I’ve been before. I can say I have made some lifelong friends from that job being that every man in our store was gay. I could count on one hand how many heterosexual men work in that store. There was literally one. Once, I switched over to Multiverse in a more corporate setting, everybody embraced the person I am and never treated me any different. We have community networks like PRISM, where alumni and current apprentices from an LGBTQ background connect. We have a Slack channel to connect with our other LGBTQ members at work. I'm definitely feeling super stoked to use more of the resources here to continue to network and learn.
How have you found being a part of the LGBTQ+ community in your general life?
Well, let's just say it hasn’t always been easy but with time, I definitely can say things get better. Yeah! I know that sounds cliche but it needed to be said. I even was picked on during most of my high school experience. Being the heavier set, gay, black kid in a predominately white student body was intimidating. I’ve been called so many names, but you know what, I always stood up for myself and never let anyone just walk on me. Being a part of this life isn’t easy but if you’re completely comfortable with the person you are, people will 100% gravitate towards you. It’s about living your life and being free of people's opinions or suggestions and being unapologetically you. So now I find myself so much healthier mentally, because I’ve found myself and who I am.
What has been your experience with regards to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion when choosing your career path? Have you been encouraged or discouraged to join an organization due to press, policies, etc?
I will say I’ve had great experiences with DEI. Every job I’ve had I’ve made sure it was an inclusive environment for me to be myself but to also get to know someone at my job who is kinda like me in a way. I love the idea of having someone you can identify with at work and I’ve always had that in each position I've been in.
The theme of this year's Pride History Month is “The Arc is Long '' inspired by a Martin Luther King Jr. quote: 'The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice’. Do you feel this is reflective of the LGBTQ+ community’s journey thus far?
Not to be pessimistic, I just think that's a bit naive to believe the world we live in has some kind of moral compass. Yeah, sure people have a moral compass, but they will always do what’s in their best interest. As selfish as that may be, that is how the world operates. We have literal politicians playing with our lives. Trans people are losing their health care, trans people’s doctors can discriminate against them in certain states. And you probably wonder how all that occurs. Well, it occurs when we have right-minded, old, conservative white men who lack any intersectionality become elected officials in these traditional states like Texas. So do I feel if this quote is reflective of the journey we have been on? My answer to that will be no. I feel when I’m able to go outside anywhere in this world and just exist as myself and no portion of my identity then I’ll be able to say that. LGBTQ+ don’t get enough justice, especially black trans women. They are among the highest murdered population in our community, and no one ever talks about it. I do hope to see the world evolve a bit more so we can all just live life judgment-free, peacefully, and where our identities are celebrated and not berated.
Join the Community's LGBTQ+ Network - PRISM today!