CELEBRATE LGBTQ+ PRIDE

Within the LGBTQ+ community, mentorship can play a key role in increasing young people’s access to inclusive spaces where they can be who they are without fear of judgement or persecution. At MENTOR, we are committed to creating a movement that serves all young people by connecting them with individuals and communities that are invested in their success and well-being.

In June, as we celebrate Pride Month and elevate stories of joy and connection, we must also not forget how Pride originated. The Stonewall rebellion was a protest led by people of color that sought to defend the LGBTQ+ community from police brutality, a persisting issue that continues to disproportionately affect Black people, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. During Pride and beyond, join us in supporting LGBTQ+ youth, rewiring inequitable systems, and standing up against the tragedies and realities of systemic racism, bigotry, and violence.

TAKE ACTION

Amplify LGBTQ+ Pride by sharing your story, raising awareness, and advocating for inclusive legislation.

  • Contact your elected officials
    • The Equality Act (HR 5) seeks to expand protections against discrimination based on gender identity, sex and sexual orientation and would provide critical legal support to millions of young people across the country. Check out the Human Rights Campaign’s guide to the Equality Act to learn how you drive this legislation forward!
    • Schools should be places where students feel welcomed and respected. Passing the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA) would be an important step in protecting students in K-12 schools from being bullied or harassed based on race, religion, ability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Use GLSEN’s template for emailing your representative in support of SSIA to take action today!
  • Raise Awareness
    • Raising awareness starts with being informed. Take a moment today to learn about the issues affecting LGBTQ+ youth today.
    • Young people deserve to have their identities affirmed and celebrated, not shamed and repressed. That’s why The Trevor Project uses legislation, litigation, and public education to advocate for the rights and futures of LGBTQ+ youth. Get involved!
  • Share Your Story
    • Post your own mentoring story on social media using #MentoringAmplifies
    • Submit your story to the Storytelling Repository

WORK MORE EFFECTIVELY WITH LGBTQ+ YOUTH TODAY

Looking to work effectively with LGBTQ+ youth? Check out MENTOR’s research on how properly trained mentors can make a difference. The LGBTQ Supplement to the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring™ offers step-by-step guidance to develop safer, more affirming, and responsive mentoring relationships for LGBTQ+ youth. Download the full report below, and visit the webpage to learn more.

WHY NOW?

LGBTQ+ Youth Fast Facts:

  • Informal mentoring relationships with adults can promote positive educational outcomes among LGBTQ+ youth
  • Mentors who take youth-centered approaches that are inclusive of the experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ youth may foster greater benefits
  • Mentors who take advocacy roles may offer emotional, informational, and interpersonal support for LGBTQ+ youth, providing protection from risks associated with stigma and victimization

A GUIDE TO PRONOUNS

WATCH: OUR #MENTORPRIDE VIDEO SERIES

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  • MENTOR National and Affiliates will use the information you provide to better inform future publications and keep you up to date with advancements in the mentoring field. For more information, check out our privacy policy.