Making strides for LGBTQ+ inclusion

ALEX Kelly and Alex McMahon both grew up in Ballarat and worked for the same fast-food company, years later and now living in different states, they are both championing LGBTQ+ rights.

They will both be attending Commerce Ballarat’s Business Day Out this May to talk about their experiences.

This year’s theme is ‘get comfortable being uncomfortable’ and will be hosted by Professor Gabriele Suder, an associate deputy-vice-chancellor of Federation University.

Mr Kelly was voted in Out for Australia’s 30 Under 30 for outstanding LGBTQ+ individuals in 2022 and is an advocate for this community and inclusion in the workplace.

The pair used their connections from their work in fast food to build their career.

“I left school at 15 and started working at a fast-food company shortly after and worked my way up full time to become a store manager eventually at the age of 18,” said Mr Kelly.

“I ended up at my current company due to some connections I had from my time there.”

Mr McMahon had a similar story.

“I grew up in Ballarat as well and started working at the same fast-food restaurant at 15, but at a very different time than Alex, and I became the manager at 21,” he said.

“I was able to cross over to my new company through a good friend who I had worked with in fast food.”

It was at this new company they began to champion LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace.

“When I started, I identified that there was a lack of focus on the LGBTQ+ community and that is important to me because I identify as part of the community,” said Mr McMahon.

“I don’t like people to stand around and complain about things getting done, if you think things should be getting done maybe you should do it yourself or provide feedback.

“A colleague and I started the Rainbow Alliance in 2019 and the idea was to get likeminded employees together so we could bring LGBTQ+ issues to life.”

Mr Kelly eventually joined this group.

“I think it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done and I’m very grateful to be a part of it,” he said.

“It’s important that people who join the company see what’s available to them and see they can be themselves at work.”

Other speakers at Business Day Out include Ned Brockmann who is the fastest ever person to run across Australia, the founding director of Nunn Media Matt Nunn, James Thompson who is CEO of Luv-A-Duck, CEO of Sovereign Hill Sara Quon and Claire Vrieze who is a practicing psychologist with Commerce Ballarat.

Commerce Ballarat’s Business Day Out will be held Wednesday, 31 May from 11.15am at the Goods Shed.