ABSTRACT
Although critical mentoring is meant to be applied to all forms of marginalization, it is too easy to adopt it and use it in only one corner of oppression. This chapter focuses on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQQ) youth and the critical race theory concept of intersectionality that can help to inform a wide-reaching and comprehensive understanding of critical mentoring. The issue of sexuality therefore comes with typical challenges. Mentoring and youth development practitioners have a significant amount of work to do when addressing the needs of LGBTQQ youth and LGBTQQ youth of color. Critical mentoring means having the fortitude and tools to tackle complicated issues such as sexuality, gender, and how they intersect. Mentoring and youth development professionals must leverage critical frameworks to better understand young people and to help them.
