5 Tips for LGBTQ+ Professionals to Build Mentorship and Connections

LGBTQ professionals are just as ambitious as our CIS/hetero counterparts, and we think about our careers all year round—not just during PRIDE or on National Coming Out Day. So this week, I'm talking building our professionals communities as queer professionals. Connecting with the right mentors can make a world of difference in navigating careers and creating a sense of belonging at work.

According to LinkedIn data,?54% of LGBTQ+ professionals feel the effects of code-switching on their mental health, making mentorship more crucial than ever for building confidence and overcoming challenges. Below are some actionable tips for how LGBTQ+ professionals can use LinkedIn to find mentors and grow their networks:

• Be intentional about seeking out mentors:?Mentors play a crucial role in guiding your professional journey, especially within marginalized communities. Look for individuals who share not only your professional interests but also understand your LGBTQ+ identity and lived experiences. Engaging with LGBTQ+-focused groups and communities can help you find mentors who resonate with your unique perspective and can provide tailored guidance.

PRO TIP: All your mentors do not have or need to be gay. Diversity matters. I'm a Sunday School boy--yes, there are gay Sunday School boys! My grandmother used to say, "God's going to use all kinds of people to bless you!" Having a diverse set of mentors gives you a wider range of advice and experience from which to draw. So gay, straight, Black, white, AAPI, Latino, different industries--what matters is that you choose people who are ROOTING FOR YOU TO WIN and who WILL ALWAYS BE HONEST WITH YOU.

• Join Supportive LGBTQ+ Groups and Networks:?Engaging in LGBTQ+ or ally-focused professional groups, such as the?LGBTQ Professionals Network ?or LGBT Professionals (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Friends) , is a fantastic way to tap into a community that promotes mentorship. These supportive spaces create opportunities for connection, collaboration, and mutual encouragement, making it easier to find mentors who understand your experiences and can help guide you on your career journey.
• Present yourself authentically and unapologetically:?When reaching out to potential mentors or professionals in your network, embrace your authentic self. Craft personalized messages that reflect your interests and pride in your identity. Share your unique experiences and insights as an LGBTQ+ individual; this authenticity can create stronger connections and encourage others to engage with you meaningfully.
• Grow and nurture your professional network:?Building strong professional relationships takes consistent effort and engagement. Use the?Grow?tab to discover new connections within the LGBTQ+ community or allies who can support your journey. Once connected, leverage the?Catch Up?tab to stay engaged by celebrating their achievements or checking in on their milestones. Thoughtful interactions foster a sense of belonging and keep your network vibrant.
• Engage before you need something:?Networking is most effective when it’s rooted in genuine relationships rather than transactional exchanges. Be proactive by liking, commenting on, and sharing posts from LGBTQ+ professionals and mentors. This engagement not only strengthens your connections but also demonstrates your support for the community, making it easier to seek advice when needed.

For additional reading/listening, check out my conversation with the team at Queer Money Podcast called How to Successfully be Out at Work

Big shout out to John Auten-Schneider and David Auten-Schneider for having me on and for all the amazing conversations they have to help the LGBTQ+ community be smarter about our careers and finances!!!