Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee Defending the Potential of LGBTQ Youth

I spoke at an event earlier this week where panelists discussed LGBTQ youth and the trauma they often face.  One of the driving questions for the event was “what can adults do to be a protective factor for LGBTQ youth.”  At the risk of over-stating the obvious, the answer seems fairly simple. LGBTQ youth need adults to do the same things you need your contractor, plumber, and cable repair-person to do – they need adults to show up.

 

This month, during National Mentoring Month, those of us who serve LGBTQ youth are thinking quite a bit about the incredible impact adults make when we show up and stand in an LGBTQ youth’s corner.

Our friends at the Trevor Project recently released research showing that LGBTQ youth who have one accepting adult in their life were 40% less likely to report a suicide attempt in the past year.  Showing up is powerful.

The amazing folks at The Family Acceptance Project tell us that the presence of a supportive family member can make LGBTQ youth up to 92% more likely to believe that they can grow to be a happy adult – which then provides invaluable protection against the unhealthy things many of us do to cope with depression.

Showing up can be life-changing.  During a stage in their lives when LGBTQ youth are asking not only “do I belong in my school, community, church, and family” but also “do people like me belong in my school, community, church, and family,” we can’t underestimate the power and protection of a caring adult showing up to say “I see you.”

Unfortunately, 39% of LGBTQ youth say they don’t have an adult in their life who supports them in any significant way.  It may not be surprising, therefore, to hear that LGBTQ youth are also significantly less likely to say they belong and feel valued in their community. Is the problem that there aren’t adults who want to ignite these young people’s potential, or is the problem that our youth aren’t able to find these adults?

If you’re an LGBTQ youth, adults in our community are ready to stand with you.  I am honored to work with an organization (Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee) who pairs young people with mentors – adults who are trained and passionate about defending your potential.  All genders.  All orientations.  All races.  All colors.  All religions.  All incomes.  We want to support you by connecting you with an adult who sees your potential and wants to stand with you.  Big Brothers Big Sisters is a place where adults show up.

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, we want you to know that you can be a part of Big Family as you are, right now. You can be “out.” You can be “in.”  You can be anywhere in between.  We just want you to be you.

We’ll pair you with a mentor who will build a one-to-one friendship with you – someone who will connect with you about whatever is important to you.  Maybe that’s your LGBTQ identity.  It might also be anything else about all the wonderful things that make you you - the books you’re reading, the sports you’re playing, the dreams you’re dreaming, the music you’re making, the websites you’re building, or the food you’re cooking.  Our mentors want to show up for ALL of you.

It’s possible, of course, that the eyes reading this note are not the eyes of young people, but those of concerned adults who are nodding their heads and thinking “yes… yes, we need to stand with our kids!”  Adults, LGBTQ youth might need YOUR help to find their way into a mentoring relationship – a relationship that has the potential to improve their grades, their mental health, and their vision for the future.

If you’re an adult – a parent, family member, health care worker, pastor, therapist, social worker, teacher, or guidance counselor – who knows an LGBTQ youth who could use an extra grown-up in their corner, please send them our way.  Our mentors are screened, trained, supervised, and passionate about igniting the potential of ALL the youth we serve.

Or, maybe you’re thinking about whether you would like to become a mentor for a young person.  Good.  You are the example we need for our kids.  You are a fighter, an outsider, and an inspiration.  You have what it takes to become a mentor.  Contact us and learn more.

LGBTQ youth have the potential to change the world.  We are standing together to defend it.  Join us.

 

Bryan has been working with young people for 20+ years, with a special emphasis on serving LGBTQ youth.  Bryan currently serves as the Director of Education and Inclusion at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, whose work with this community is funded by the TN Office of Criminal Justice’s Victims of Crime Act.

 

 

Click here for more coverage related to LGBT youth!

 

 

 

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

Keep readingShow less
by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

Keep readingShow less

Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

Keep readingShow less