Mentorship Matters

Mentorship Matters.  But more importantly, mentorship matters for kids who are at-risk.  For someone like myself, who is a Black woman who identifies as a lesbian, I am forever grateful for the mentors that I had in my life.  My dad died when I was just fourteen years old and at the time, I had no idea why I was so angry at the world. Hell, I thought it was just teenage hormones. 

But because I had mentors who were not only my coaches, but father figures.  It made all of the difference.  I stayed diligent to my studies and continued to play basketball.  It was because of those mentors that I had a positive outlet.  Not only on the court, but someone to talk to.  No teenager loves talking to their parents.  I’m convinced we all hated our parents as teens.  AND for me, talking to my mom about being gay wasn’t an option.  So, I talked to my coaches about girlfriends, relationships etc. They loved me the same.  In fact, nothing changed at all.  Looking back this was a big differentiator. 

Between my friends and my mentors (who were often my coaches), I felt loved and supported.  If I needed ANYTHING.  I had someone to call. Whether it was for a ride, advice or a loan to buy something I needed.  This support is what a lot of kids who are LGBTQ+ don’t get.  Hell, I hit the mentor lottery.  Which is why I believe in what Rainbow Labs is doing.  Having a mentor truly is life- saving.  So were in the business of saving lives. It’s kind of cool.  Damn that, its hella cool.  I’m simply here to send the mentor elevator back down.  We all need a lift up-especially our teenagers today! 

-Dr. Diandra “Dee” Bremond

Rainbow Labs Board President