Being out as a lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans-gendered (LGBT) individual, whether in the workplace or as a student or faculty member, is not a one-time event, but instead is a decision the person experiences each time he/she enters a new situation. LGBT individuals face a burden of having to assess the personal, social and political ramifications of disclosing their sexual orientation each time they do so. Here are a couple of helpful suggestions for establishing and maintaining a mentoring relationship in which the sexual orientation of your protégé does not create an artificial barrier to success:

	Be sensitive to whether you are making anti-gay comments and discuss how they may be offensive to others.
	Be aware that examples you and others are using may be based on heterosexual experiences. For example, when talking about families, don't talk as if every family is composed of a husband, wife, and children. Simply using a word like "spouse and partner" instead of just "spouse" can go a long way in making LGBT individuals feel they are represented in the discussion.