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Our mentor program pairs students who identify as LGBTQ+ with another LGBTQ+ student at Penn State. Mentoring is open to all students regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, or any other protected class.

Student mentors offer mentees emotional support, assistance setting goals and choosing a career path, and guidance through sexual and gender identity development while encouraging health and wellness through campus and community engagement.

“ I gained a greater level of comfort in my identity from being able to talk to someone about my issues that I felt really cared about them. ”
Mentee, 2017-2018

Become a Mentee

Mentees are Penn State students who join the LGBTQ+ mentor program to talk one-on-one to someone about their sexual orientation and gender identity as well as discuss issues related to academics, career, family, coming out, dating, and relationships, other marginalized identities, and campus involvement.

“ From this mentorship program I gained a greater sense of normalcy for myself, as well as more information and resources related to our shared identities. ”
Mentee, 2017-2018

Become a Mentor

Mentors are Penn State students in the LGBTQ+ community who are looking to assist other LGBTQ+ students with their journey through Penn State with special considerations to the student's sexual orientation and gender identity. Mentors also have an opportunity to make strong connections with other students in the community.

“ I gained a completely different understanding of being a support system. I learned a lot from my mentee, especially about his discoveries and how well he is embracing them. We talked a lot about clothing and fashion and how our wardrobe is a huge part of our identity. ”
Abdiel Portalatín, Graduate Mentor, 2016-2017

Become a Pod Director

Pod Directors are Penn State faculty or staff members in the LGBTQ+ community who supervise several mentor and mentee pairs. Pod Directors help create strong campus-wide connections within the community between students and staff. Pod Directors must have completed both workshops of Safer People Safer Places, including the Foundations Workshop and the Transgender & Gender Inclusion 101 Workshop. 

Explore in this Section
LGBTQ+ Mentor Program
Penn State Student Affairs
Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity
Location

LL011 HUB-Robeson Center
University Park, PA 16802
lgbtq@psu.edu

 

Our events and programs are open to all students regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, or any other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all.