MALENA MENDEZThere are about 50,000 young people who identify as LGBTQ+ in Broward County. Sadly, they are often rejected, scorned, ridiculed and cast aside. Many struggle with their identity, creating feelings of isolation, confusion and a lack of belonging. All of these challenges come together to make life exceptionally hard for these young people.

According to a 2022 national survey by The Trevor Project:

  • 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year;
  • 14% of LGBTQ committed suicide, including nearly 1 in 5 transgender and nonbinary youth;
  • 73% of LGBTQ youth reported symptoms of anxiety;
  • 58% of LGBTQ youth reported experiencing symptoms of depression;
  • 36% of LGBTQ youth reported that they have been physically threatened or harmed due to either their sexual orientation or gender identity;
  • 31% of LGBTQ youth reported that they have been physically threatened or harmed due to their sexual orientation.

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County, we’re doing our best to help turn around these troubling statistics. We are dedicated to igniting the power and promise of youth through creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships for all young people — regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.

While we’ve always served all youth with open arms, we intentionally meet the needs of LGBTQ+ youth through our BIGPride mentoring program. We’ve established policies and procedures, developed staff training specific to each type of young people represented in the LGBTQ+ acronym, and formed partnerships with groups already serving this community.

We see firsthand how fostering strong, empowering relationships between mentees and mentors, environments make LGBTQ+ youth feel safe and accepted. Youth enrolled in BigPride have shown increased levels of self-esteem, improved academic performance and increased parental support.

Mentors of LGBTQ+ youth also serve an important protective role in helping youth confront challenges, offering support as they navigate exploring, accepting and sharing their identity with others; and providing emotional, informational and interpersonal support in ways that protect them from risks associated with stigma and victimization.

Simply, connecting LGBTQ+ youth withan adult mentor helps them more easily find themselves, experience less stress and live fuller, happier and more productive lives.

Little Sister Katie and her Big, Nik, are a case in point. Big Sister Nik heard about the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward BIGPride program at a LGBTQ+ workplace training. Nik signed up and was matched with Katie, who had recently lost her mom. Katie needed someone to provide support and guidance as she dealt with profound loss. She faced additional challenges because she moved from a home-school environment to public high school, where she was bullied. Nik came to the rescue by helping Katie stand strong in these rough situations, gain additional confidence and express gender identity more freely. Katie now attends Broward College studying social work.

Nik said, “I admire the bravery I see in youth, especially LGBTQ+ youth. Kids are full of wonder and are adventurers at heart. I became a Big to help a young person hold on to those qualities, regardless of their situation.”

We applaud all of our Bigs, especially those like Nik, who volunteer in our BigPride program. We are proud to encourage inclusiveness, dignity and mutual respect for everyone. And, as we celebrate Pride Month, it is our honor to offer this cutting-edge BIGPride initiative. Our hope is that our South Florida community will stand with us as we serve the needs of all youth, including our LGBTQ+ kids. Be a part of creating a BIGGER future.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County is dedicated to creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Its larger vision is for all youth achieve their full potential. To become a Big or for information, call 954-584-9990 or visit bbbsbroward.org.

Malena Mendez is president and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County.