What is LGBTQ+ Youth Mentoring? 

• LGBTQ+ youth (Littles) are paired with adult mentors (Bigs) to form supportive friendships. Because of our mentor’s lived experiences, they can help their Little celebrate the beauty and richness of LGBTQ+ life.

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• Little’s in the this program can see themselves reflected in the world, sometimes for the very first time.

• Through this program, LGBTQ+ youth have an additional person in their corner to cheer them on and ignite their potential!

LGBTQ+ Mentoring Program For Youth

Are you an LGBTQ+ Youth in search of a trusted mentor or ally? We are here for you! 

Are you one of the many youth in the Central Upper Peninsula who identifies as LGBTQ+?

If so, we care about the unique everyday challenges you may face:

• Lack of acceptance from your family and peers
• Persistent bullying and safety challenges
• Sports exclusion
• Gender identity development
• Fear of being found out
• Homelessness
• Anxiety and depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Self-harm

A trusted mentor can help you through these difficulties.
While Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Upper Peninsula has traditionally served LGBTQ+ children and young adults, our LGBTQ+ Youth mentoring program is a focused effort to address your unique needs and vulnerabilities by providing trusting, confidential, one-to-one mentoring relationships between Bigs and LGBTQ+ Littles.
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Each one of these matches is professionally supported by a case manager who oversees the safety of the children, the successful development of the relationships, the accomplishment of pre-set goals and the outcomes.

READY TO UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL?
CALL (906) 475-7801 OR EMAIL US TO ENROLL IN OUR LGBTQ+ PROGRAM TODAY!

The LGBTQ Supplement to the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring™ responds to a long-standing call to extend the reach and quality of mentoring relationships to one of our nation’s most underserved, marginalized, and vulnerable populations- youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQQ). As a well-documented body of research has noted, large numbers of LGBTQQ youth are growing up at a deficit- facing difficult odds due to day-to-day experiences with societal stigma, victimization, bias, and rejection. Given such a landscape, there is a need for caring adults, advocates, and mentors now more than ever.

As a response to these concerns and as a part of a shared commitment by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) and MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership (MENTOR) to improve mentoring services to all children and youth across the country, the LGBTQ Supplement to the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring™ offers step-by-step operations guidance to develop safer, more affirming, and responsive mentoring relationships for LGBTQQ youth.

Download Here

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the youth have to be out to their parent/guardian to be in the program? 

Yes, they do. Big Brothers Big Sisters builds a relationship with each match participant (mentor, mentee, and parent/guardian). Throughout the match friendship, matches participate in regular check-ins with their Match Support Specialist (MSS). The MSS provides coaching and support for all match participants. Because the relationship is focused on the youth, being forthright about the intent and purpose of the match relationship is necessary. This helps ensure that the youth gets the best possible experience from the program.

Does the youth need to be out publicly? 

Not necessarily. The MSS supporting the match is aware that the mentor/mentee are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. However, each match decides whether they’re comfortable with their match type being shared publicly. For example, each match is asked if they’re comfortable being highlighted as a LGBTQ+ match feature on social media, our blog, etc. Match participants are welcome to abstain from being highlighted to protect the wishes of each match participant.

Do matches receive support? 

Yes. All BBBS staff complete several hours of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice training throughout the year. This includes training on working with the LGBTQ+ community.
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LGBTQ+ Youth Mentoring matches are also invited to participate in BBBS  group activities and free monthly match activities. Through these activities, matches in the program are invited to come together and build community with one another.

What is the commitment? 

At least four hours per month, for a minimum of one year (calendar or academic depending on the program). Though it’s not a requirement, many matches continue to meet long past the one-year mark!