MENTORING LGBTQ+ YOUTH

Mentoring relationships play a key role in increasing young people’s access to inclusive spaces where they can be who they are without fear of judgment. This is particularly true for LGBTQ+ youth, who often face feelings of rejection or uncertainty as they navigate their identities. In MENTOR’s Who Mentored You? study, 72% of LGBTQ+ participants said they wished they had a mentor during their formative years. Mentoring can play a key role in fostering belonging, confidence, and support.
At MENTOR, we are committed to creating a movement that serves all young people by connecting them with individuals and communities invested in their success and well-being. We want to ensure that all young people feel a sense of belonging and can access the resources they need to thrive on their own terms. This Pride Mentoring Month, join us in helping bridge the mentoring gap for LGBTQ+ youth and creating safe, sustainable spaces for members of all communities by exploring the resources below.
How Mentors Can Support 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

MORE RESOURCES
Understanding the mental health challenges LGBTQ+ youth can face is crucial for mentors. With higher rates of anxiety, depression, and isolation, these young people need safe, affirming support from adults in their lives, and mentoring can be a way to offer guidance and validation. Check out the resources below for more information:
- Mentoring LGBTQ+ Youth Webinar Series
- Recomendations on Mentoring LGBTQ+ Youth
- The Trevor Project: 2025 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health
- MENTOR Population Review: Implications for Mentoring LGBTQI-GNC Youth
- MENTOR Washington Conference: Harnessing Relationships and Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth Through a Trauma-Informed Lens
- Blog: MENTOR’s Jake Sullivan’s Journey with LGBTQ+ Mentoring


