For Mentors and Mentees
Where is the Trans Peer Mentor Program located?
The Trans Peer Mentor Program is based in Oakland, CA. Both mentors and mentees must be local to the Bay Area so they can attend mentor meetings.
Do I have to pay to be a mentee?
Do I get paid to be a mentor?
No participants will receive monetary compensation or charges.
When are the mentor trainings?
They are every 2nd Sunday of the month from 1-3pm in Oakland, CA.
What is the commitment?
Mentees meet with their mentor once every 2 weeks. Mentors commit to these meetings, brief check-in’s with the director, and monthly trainings.
Is there an age requirement?
The minimum age for mentors is 18. The minimum age for mentees is 10 years old and the maximum age for mentees is 25 years old.
What do mentors and mentees typically do together?
Mentors and mentees discuss issues of interest to the mentee. Often discussions center on self-acceptance, coming out to friends or family, dating questions, religious conflicts, multiple identities (e.g. being trans and a person of color). They can also focus on academic or professional issues related to trans or queer identity. Mentors and mentees can also explore affirming resources together. Mentors and mentees may attend community events or workshops with guardian approval.
Where do mentors and mentees meet?
Mentors and mentees will most often meet for coffee or lunch in public locations. Transportation, timing, and setting will be discussed amongst the director, mentee, mentee guardian(s), and mentor.
Are meetings between mentors and mentees confidential?
Mentors take very seriously the privacy of their mentees. Trust that the mentor will never disclose the nature or content of the mentor/mentee relationship without the mentee’s permission. The mentors do, however, receive supervision and guidance from the program director and program facilitator. During these meetings, mentors provide support to one another by sharing ideas and resources.
How often do mentors and mentees meet?
Mentors and mentees will meet once every two weeks for about an hour. Meetings are flexible in order to accommodate both mentors’ and mentees’ schedules.
How are mentors and mentees paired?
The director pairs mentors and mentees based on shared identities and interests, in respect of special requests when possible.
What if my pairing isn’t working?
The director monitors check ins with both participants regularly. Though it is extremely rare, sometimes mentees are assigned to new mentors if the match is not working out. The director facilitates this process and change. We want to ensure the mentee gets the support they need in a comfortable and safe environment.
I have another question that isn’t answered here!
Check out our Resources pages or email the Program Director
For Community Members
I’m a mental health professional. Can I refer clients?
Yes! Please email the program director and have your client complete an application for either role.
What’s the best way to tell my network about this program?
Share our flyer or direct them to this website.
How can I donate to support this program?
Where can I learn more to support the transgender youth in my life?
Check out our Resources pages
Trans Peer Mentor Program 