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We are an organization dedicated to inclusiveness. We celebrate the diversity of every person who walks through our doors; whether a Big, Little, Parent, employee, board member, or community partner. ​If you are interested in partnering with us on LGTBQ initiatives, please contact Patrick Erdley.

June 2021 LGBTQ Participant & Staff Training
  • When enrolling into our agency, we ask that Bigs in the program commit to two trainings a year! For one of those trainings, we're featuring an episode of the PBS program What I Hear When You Say entitled "When Did You Become Gay?" This episode features the narratives of three individuals when asked just that question. Their insight offers good advice on the experience of coming out and tips how to discuss sexual orientation or gender identity. To view the program, you can access on PBS by following the link here:  www.pbs.org/video/what-i-hear-when-did-you-become-gay/
  • At Big Brothers Big Sisters Kentuckiana, we work with young people. We support diverse individuals with unique experiences: and all are welcome. Childhood and adolescence are times when we explore and form our identities. It's also a time of uncertainty, seeking belonging, and having self-realizations. A mentor can be valuable person to connect with! A mentor can offer reassurance, validation, and encouragement.
  •  As an agency, we're here to support our participants! We don't expect Bigs to have all the answers. And sometimes young people aren't looking for an adult to provide answers: they're wanting an adult to listen. In addition to annual training (like this one), our staff is always available to help with the support you need. Finally, we've provided some resources below to help you in working with your Little: a benefit of hosting our training on our website!

Be a Big Ally

"Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it's a good place to start." - Jason Collins
EMBRACE. LISTEN. IMPACT.
LGTBQ SOGIE Resources (PDF)
  • Listen: When it comes to being an ally, it is important to not only hear what your Little is saying, but really listen. If your Little opens up to you about harassment or bullying, let them guide the narrative. 
  • Respect Privacy: If your Little opens up to you, recognize the trust they are placing in you. Ask questions to learn more and to get clarity on how you can be supportive and with whom this news can be discussed. Avoid premature problem solving. Follow the youth’s lead. Please do talk with your Match Support Specialist so we can offer resources and work with the youth to determine ways to be supportive. Do not share with the parent; this is the youth’s news to share when and how they determine. Our job is to support along the way! 
  • Implicit Biases: Be aware of them. We implore you to dip into self-reflection. Before you respond to something your Little says about their identity or sexuality, acknowledge that systemic homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism may impact your efforts in being an ally. Be forward thinking in ways that you can recognize and challenge your own biases.
  • Continue Learning: While we have several resources listed within this website, your Match Support Specialist has tons of articles to share, too! Your Match Support Specialist can give you webinar dates, in-house training opportunities, or engage in a conversation with you that allows you to best find ways to be the best ally possible for your Little.​
                Adapted from BBBS Orange County and Empire Island

Youth and Family Resources

Updates for Kentuckiana Pride 2021 at: KYPRIDE.COM
  • ​The Trevor Project is a national, toll-free, 24 hour, confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth. You can chat, text, or call at 1-866-488-7386. They also have a social media support group for youth under 25 years, called TrevorSpace.
  • The Louisville Youth Group (LYG) creates a safe space for LGBTQ youth and allies, focusing on positivity and trust. Through community activities and local gatherings, the LYG focuses on relationship building, leadership development, and social justice activism. LYG also provides resources and community outreach to create awareness of the concerns of LGBTQ youth in schools, businesses, and the community. Check out their calendar for upcoming events!
  • Find a gay-affirming Christian church at GayChurch.org.
  • The Louisville Pride Foundation hosts an annual pride festival in downtown Louisville. The festival brings in professional musicians, arts/crafts, free health screenings, delicious food, and connections with local businesses. Come join the fun in mid-September!
  • Kentuckiana Pride Foundation hosts multiple pride events in Kentuckiana throughout the year, including an annual grand celebration of pride at the Waterfront Park in mid-June. Complete with a parade, pageant, and family fun zone, the Pride Festival is a wonderful way to connect and support the LGBTQ community.
  • The Safe Zone Project provides free online training for LGBTQ awareness and ally programs. Their website provides training resources, handouts and edugraphics, an LGBTQ+ glossary of terms, a free 2 hour curriculum, and much more!
  • The Fairness Campaign is Kentucky’s LGBTQ advocacy organization. Founded in 1991, the campaign works for achieve comprehensive civil rights legislation for the LGBTQ community throughout the state. Learn about the issues, volunteer your time, and make your voice heard.

General LGBTQ Resources
  • GLSEN Bluegrass, fighting for safe, supportive education for all students. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Have questions regarding being a Big, Little, or family member in an LGBTQ match? Click below! 
If you can't find exactly what you are looking for, contact us at 502-587-0494.
​*Page content developed, formatted, and created by Valerie DiGangi, MA, NCC and Marianna Strasz, MSSW* 
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