LGBTQ+ mentoring is essential
Sometimes in life, we need a little guidance and direction. It can be hard to navigate the world as an LGBTQ+ person and it’s easy to feel isolated, unheard and often unaccepted In the heteronormative/cis-normative societies we live in. Speaking to someone who understands, listens, and offers advice when needed through mentorship has been said to increase confidence, help people realise their true potential and manage minority stresses that we face as members of the LGBTQ+ community.
What is mentoring?
Mentoring is a protected relationship, usually between two individuals, whereby one person shares their knowledge, guidance, and experiences to assist another in the progression of their life & career. Before I became an LGBTQ+ mentor, I read a quote that helped me to understand the incredible impact mentoring can have on an individual.
‘A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you’
This summarises one of the many beautiful aspects of mentorship that I love, which is being another person's cheerleader. Through my role I have the privilege of looking after the mentoring programme and, it is quite common that we meet people totally unaware of their own strengths and talents, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, it is very rare that we meet individuals oozing confidence and belief in themselves. This is why LGBTQ+ mentoring is essential
It is vital that members of our community have the opportunity to enter a mentorship programme so that they can explore areas of their life they need support in alongside someone who is equipped with the skills, knowledge and life experiences to understand them.
LGBTQ+ Mentoring can help you with the following:
Increasing your confidence and belief in your abilities
Setting manageable goals and achieving them
Understanding your sexuality and or gender identity/expression
Finding community connection & Identifying LGBTQ+ supportive resources
Navigating coming out to friends family or employers
Applying for jobs and understanding your rights as an LGBTQ+ employee or employer
Learnest’s values & approach to mentoring
Here at Learnest we offer a bespoke mentoring programme free of charge to the LGBTQ+ people who need it most. We have processes for prioritising trans, non-binary, disabled people and individuals from the global majority or those who are experiencing financial challenges.
We believe all successful mentoring relationships start with trust and confidentiality and are two-way; both mentor and mentee should be open to learning and recognising one another as equals. Successful applicants are matched with one of our LGBTQ+ mentors, who then work alongside you over the course of 6 hour - long sessions. In these sessions, you will be guided to think through what you want to achieve from the mentoring relationship. Set manageable goals, and learn more about yourself and your dreams in the process.
Mentee Testimonies
‘5/5 - If you're looking for a way to level-up in every aspect of your life, Learnest is the programme for you!’
‘Very good mentoring programme. It has helped me to look at the skills which I already have and those which I wish to develop further. It has helped me to develop my confidence and set goals for the future which now feel more attainable.’
‘Wonderful mentor who helped me to dissect what it is I want in life and how I will go about getting it and has helped me to gain confidence, priceless experience and would recommend it to all LGBTQ+ People.’
What do Learnest Mentors have to say about the programme?
'Being a Learnest mentor has resolidified for me both the real impact of LGBTQIA+ discrimination as well as the real possibility for hope. Our shared experience as mentors and mentees creates a platform that affirms our identities and provides the space for people to do the work, exploration and rest that is most useful to them.' - Iacob Bacian
How do we find the right mentor for you?
After learning more about you via our mentee application form, we match you with one of our mentors who share similar lived experiences, interests and career prospects. Our LGBTQ+ mentors are DBS checked, most of whom are professional coaches. We are lucky enough to work with an array of Mentors that come from all walks of life and have years of experience in the field of mentorship, advocacy and professional development.
How to apply
We open up applications four times a year to manage our demand for this free service we open applications four times a year. Applications will open again at 10am on 10th August 2022, please follow this link to receive your reminder.
This service is free at the point of need to those that need it most and we prioritise trans, non-binary and disabled applicants; individuals belonging to a global majority ethnicity or those on a low income. If you would like to make a donation to support this vital work, please follow this link.
