LGBTQ Community

Big Brothers Big Sisters is proud to support its LGBTQ Community

At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we are working hard to offer knowledge, encourage acceptance and defend potential. Celebration and inclusion are our top priorities, and we strive to be part of the solution in welcoming Bigs and Littles from all walks of life. Together, we can ignite the power and promise of youth.

“We recognize the value of an LGBTQ mentorship program and the many benefits it can have for our LGBTQ youth. Rather than building the program from the ground up, we turned to our partners at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County who already excel at mentoring young people. Through our combined efforts, we will offer an LGBTQ-affirming mentorship program that not only centers the needs of LGBTQ youth, but offers our mentors an enriching, life experience of giving back.”

Peg Corley

LGBTQ Center Executive Director

EMPOWER THE COMMUNITY

Interested in becoming a mentor?

Attend an informational with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the LGBTQ Center OC. Hear from current LGBTQ mentors about their volunteer experience and learn how to sign up to become a mentor.

Wednesday, July 7 | 6 pm

If you’re unavailable to attend, click here to schedule a phone call with a member of our team.

Volunteer Eligibility

+ Be 18 years of age or older

+ Pass a background check

+ Have a valid CA drivers license and insurance

+ Commit to at least one year in the program

+ BIG Couples must meet all of the above requirements and be in a relationship of 2+ years.

FEATURED MATCHES

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GET INVOLVED

BE A MENTOR

Big Brothers Big Sisters is committed to ensuring its programs are inclusive to all youth and volunteers. Equality, diversity and inclusiveness are critical components of our mission. We encourage volunteers of all sexual orientations, races, colors, religions, genders, gender identities, gender expressions, ages, national origins, disabilities, marital status or military status to get involved.

VOLUNTEER

CONTACT US

If you would like to connect us to an LGBTQ community organization, learn more about our Diversity Advisory Council or support mentoring in another way, please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!

THANK YOU TO OUR LGBTQ+ PARTNER

We’re proud to team up with LGBTQ Center Orange County to provide LGBTQ+ affirming mentorships for all queer and trans youth in our community. Launching in June 2021, this exciting partnership aims to connect and ignite passionate LGBTQ+ future mentors, as well as provide LGBTQ+ affirming trainings to equip current and future mentors with the tools and skills needed to be there for their inclusive mentees.

Part of this effort is ensuring mentors at Big Brothers Big Sisters continue education on LGBTQ topics and current issues through LGBTQ+ cultural competency trainings at the Center. Trainings began earlier this Spring and will continue to be a cornerstone for the partnership with continued education support. Trainings cover topics from LGBTQ+ terminology and language to learning ways in which mentoring LGBTQ+ youth benefits their overall development, growth, and well-being.

This partnership also encourages future LGBTQ professionals and community members to seek mentorship opportunities through Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mentorship expertise and advocacy. Affirming role models play a crucial role in LGBTQ youth’s journey: “Access to LGBTQ or LGBTQ-supportive role models improves mental well-being among LGBTQ youth.”