The Crucial Role of Mentoring in Supporting LGBT Youth

Mentoring LGBT youth is crucial, given the alarmingly high rates of suicide and mental health issues in the LGBT community. According to the Human Rights Campaign, only 26% of LGBT youth feel safe in their school classrooms, and a mere 5% feel that all teachers and staff are supportive of LGBT individuals (hrc.

org). These statistics highlight the urgent need for supportive environments for LGBT youth, both in schools and at home. Sixty-seven percent of LGBT youth report hearing negative comments from family members about LGBT individuals (hrc.org). Youth is a sensitive phase of life, and added stressors can hinder development. Mentoring and coaching can introduce positive influences that are desperately needed in the lives of LGBT youth. An LGBT-positive mentor, or a mentor who identifies as LGBT themselves, can have a profound impact. This may be the only source of acceptance in a young person's life, and such support can make a significant difference.

Understanding Mentoring

Mentoring is typically defined as a professional relationship where an experienced mentor offers support and encouragement to a mentee, helping them develop specific skills, gain knowledge, or stay on track with their plans. The mentor-mentee relationship is built on the premise that the mentee lacks something that the mentor can provide, be it skills, knowledge, or support. For example, in sports, a basketball coach teaches players the rules and strategies of the game. Similarly, a high school student might seek help from a mentor for college applications or, in the case of LGBT students, seek guidance on safe spaces, supportive healthcare providers, or LGBT-focused educational resources. These relationships vary widely, but the benefits lie in the transfer of skills and support from mentor to mentee.

The Unique Challenges of LGBT Youth

LGBT youth face unique challenges, including drug use, homelessness, and mental health issues. Youth identifying as LGBT are more likely to use substances such as cocaine, meth, and inhalants. Additionally, 40% of homeless and runaway youth identify as LGBT. Alarmingly, LGBT youth are two to four times more likely to attempt suicide compared to their heterosexual peers, making suicide the leading cause of death among LGBT youth (Barjas, 2005). These challenges underscore the critical need for mentoring and outreach programs, which can be life-saving for some LGBT youth.

Progress and Remaining Challenges

While LGBT rights have progressed, such as the legalization of marriage equality in all 50 states in 2015, homophobia persists. For example, homophobia is still prevalent in women's college sports, where lesbian coaches and athletes face discrimination. Reports have surfaced of women coaches losing their jobs due to assumptions about their sexual orientation, and players suspected of being lesbian have been marginalized (Cunningham, 2012). LGBT youth of color face additional challenges, with only 11% feeling that their racial or ethnic group is respected in the United States (hrc.org). Over 50% of transgender or non-binary youth report that they cannot use school restrooms that correspond with their gender identity (hrc.org).

Ensuring Access to Mentoring Programs

According to the report "Ensuring Access to Mentoring Programs for LGBTQ Youth" (2014) by researchers Mallory, Sears, Hasenbush, and Susman, LGBT youth struggle to access mentoring programs tailored to their needs. Of the estimated 3.2 million LGBTQ youth ages 8 to 18 in the United States, nearly 1.1 million have never had a mentor. The report calls for policies and legal protections to ensure access to mentoring programs that cater to LGBT youth, aiming to prevent outcomes like involvement in the juvenile justice system or mental health struggles that can be fatal. Recommendations include the creation of programs by schools and local governments and the establishment of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), which provide safe environments for students to connect and advocate for policy changes.

Addressing Legal and Social Barriers

Legal and social barriers must be addressed to create safe mentoring environments. Discriminatory laws, such as trans bathroom bills, and policies allowing establishments to refuse service to LGBT individuals need to be challenged. Enforcing legal protections like state non-discrimination laws, Title IX, and Title VII is crucial for making mentoring programs accessible. These laws can also protect LGBT youth athletes from discrimination.

Challenges in Mentor-Mentee Relationships

LGBT youth often face additional challenges, such as being estranged from family or experiencing trauma. This can complicate mentor-mentee relationships, especially for those in foster care or juvenile detention. These youth may face stigma as "troubled teens" and struggle with transportation or availability, making it harder to benefit from mentoring programs (Rummell, 2016).

Benefits and Importance of Mentoring

Research indicates that LGBT youth benefit significantly from mentorship, especially in academic and career contexts. For example, LGBT undergraduates with LGBT mentors find it easier to access community resources and show increased campus involvement and improved academic performance (Ross, 2005). Mentoring is linked to higher skill levels in the workplace for adults in their mid-twenties to early thirties (McDonald & Lambert, 2011).

Successful Mentoring Programs

There are many mentoring programs across the country serving LGBT youth, but programs specifically tailored to their needs are essential. Effective programs should include proper training and sensitivity training for mentors, as well as policies ensuring the safety and confidentiality of participants. Policies should include non-discrimination and anti-harassment statements, with zero tolerance for harassment.

Examples of positive LGBT youth mentoring programs include ScarleTeen and the Ali Forney Center. ScarleTeen provides LGBT-centered sexual education, addressing the gap in standard sex education that fails to represent LGBT youth. The Ali Forney Center in New York City offers homeless LGBT youth medical care, counseling, and basic needs, such as food and housing.

Mentoring programs for LGBT youth often differ from traditional programs due to the unique challenges they face. These programs address basic needs like housing and food before focusing on skill transfer and support. Despite progress in LGBT acceptance, research and efforts to create safe spaces for LGBT youth remain critical. Creating supportive environments allows LGBT youth to thrive, as demonstrated in studies showing increased academic success and community involvement when mentored by LGBT individuals.

The power of mentorship lies in its ability to foster acceptance and provide guidance, creating a nurturing environment for youth who often face discrimination. By believing in and supporting LGBT youth, mentors can help them navigate challenges and succeed in life.

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