Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC Launches LGBTQ Youth Initiative

Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City currently serves more than 5,500 youths in the city through various mentoring programs. It provides academic resources to help “littles” reach graduation and get into college, and has been helping kids reach their goals since 1904.

Their latest program comes in a much-needed form. The BBBS of NYC Big Pride program provides LGBTQ youth with positive adult mentors during their most impressionable years. Recently launched, they’re implementing a recruitment campaign through partnerships with leading LGBTQ organizations. Through one-to-one and group mentoring, they’ll help littles by supporting identity, communication, and self-confidence in safe spaces.

Somehow became a mentor for a teenage, gay employee. He’d never seen #DragRace , #Roseanne or #WillAndGrace . Now he’s got homework for spring break 🙂

— Mike (@mikeo847) March 26, 2018

“Since our founding, Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC has consistently served the diverse needs of young people across the city, empowering them with the tools to succeed in life,” said Hector Batista, chief executive officer of BBBS of NYC. “Now, through our Big Pride initiative, we will provide more youth from the LGBTQ community with mentors and support their needs through focused programming that will allow for safe space discussions, as well as promote diversity and inclusion.”

hello, I need a baby gay to mentor in the ways of lesbianism. please send all applications to my dms, thank you. 🏳️‍🌈

— ana renée (@anarenee97) March 18, 2018

The Big Pride program launched this week with a celebration at Buzzfeed. It included special introductions from Jeff Elgart, chief corporate mentoring and partnerships officer at BBBS of NYC, as well as speeches from BBBS social worker, Emily Bader and Big Pride member, Christopher Porras. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and MSNBC correspondent, Jonathan Capehart gave a keynote address, and the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus gave a special performance.

Find more info on Big Pride atBig Brothers Big Sisters of New York City.