Queer Mentorship Program
The germ of the Queer Coalition Mentorship Program was formulated by Stephanie Thompson in response to situations she had encountered as a case manager for University Housing Services. Stephanie and Lumen Stasicky continued to develop the concept during FY23 and Karmine stepped in to help get it off the ground this past summer. This pilot program is predicated on the understanding that queer identity development can begin at any point in one’s life and is a continuing process that may shift or change in unexpected ways over time. While many Gen Z people begin this journey as youths, a significant percentage still report struggling with their (a)sexuality and/or gender identity in college and beyond. The mentoring relationship provides an empathetic listening space to discuss and work through the feelings that accompany coming out and integrating one’s intersecting identities into new contexts. Through this program, mentees can receive guidance and encouragement in developing integrated queer identities with the aim of helping them lead fuller, healthier, and happier lives.
Many thanks to those who have volunteered to serve as mentors! Mentor trainings are still ongoing but mentor/mentee pairings will commence shortly. Please contact Karmine Beecroft (kbeecro@ilstu.edu) and Stephanie Thompson (sthomp7@ilstu.edu) with any questions or other feedback.