The Importance of Mentors and Mentoring Programs for LGBT+ Undergraduate Students

Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender + (LGBT+) undergraduate student community are at heightened risk for a variety of health and mental health challenges due to unsupportive environments which may include home, school, and society. However, research underscores the importance of mentors, mentorship, and other social supports upon the mental health of LGBT+ youth, especially when navigating discriminatory experiences. An online survey was conducted among LGBT+ undergraduate college students within one mid-sized university located in the Midwest to assess experiences with discrimination, perceptions of mentoring, and the beneficial components of mentoring programs. 289 LGBT+ undergraduate students (65.7% cisgender female, 47.8% ages 19-20, 51.2% bisexual) responded with 71.6% of participants reporting no current LGBT+ mentor. 56.4% either agreed or strongly agreed that acceptance of the LGBT+ community could be improved at the university. Discussion centers upon the importance of mentoring programs for LGBT+ undergraduate students to provide support and create a more affirming college experience.