Does it matter whether your coach shares your LGBTQ+ identity? And if so, how do you find a coach who truly gets you?
As an open and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, and a former executive board member of the Gay Coaches Alliance, I get asked about this a lot.
Since June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, I’m focusing this article on how to find a career coach when you’re a member of the queer community.
Does It Matter Whether Your Career Coach Identifies As LGBTQ+?
Let’s start with the big questions: Does it actually make a difference whether your coach shares your identity?
It might.
Navigating the job search as an LGBTQ+ professional comes with added nuance. Working with someone who shares your lived experience can make the process feel safer, more affirming, and less draining.
For instance, a coach who identifies as LGBTQ+ may be especially attuned to the realities of:
In fact, many clients share that it’s helpful to work with a coach from the LGBTQ+ community because such coaches have faced similar struggles and can speak the “same language.” You don’t have to explain the basics or justify yourself; the coach just gets it.
This isn’t to say you can’t work with a career coach who doesn’t share your identity. However, partnering with someone from your community can make the journey more affirming and aligned.
How To Find The Best LGBTQ+ Career Coach For You
As I’ve shared before, the career coaching space is growing rapidly, which can make finding the right coach feel overwhelming. If you’re specifically looking for an LGBTQ+ career coach, here are a few tips to help you navigate the process:
1. Research, research, and research some more.
Thanks to social media and AI-powered search engines, it’s easier than ever to find coaches online. But you must dig deep into each coach’s background, searching beyond a single source like their website, to understand their coaching philosophy and style, credentials, and how they present themselves across all platforms.
Anyone can call themselves a “career coach.” This is why you must independently verify their credentials, too. For instance, if a coach claims to be affiliated with Career Directors International, search for them in the CDI database to verify.
2. Use LGBTQ+ career coach search engines.
Directories specifically created for LGBTQ+ coaches can help you accelerate your search. Many of these platforms screen coaches, which can save you time and provide some baseline trust (though the vetting process varies by site).
One example is the Gay Coaches Alliance, which includes career coaches who identify as GBTQ men. At the time of writing, their directory features about 60 GBTQ career coaches.
3. Find the best LGBTQ+ career coach for you.
Chemistry is critical when working with a coach on your career journey. Schedule consultation calls with at least three coaches to learn more about their styles and see whether you align.
Here are some questions to guide you:
- Who are your typical clients, and how similar am I to them?
- Where did you complete your coach training, and was it tailored for LGBTQ+ professionals?
- Can you walk me through your typical career coaching process with a client? What adjustments do you make when partnering with LGBTQ+ clients?
- What common topics do you help clients navigate, and how might those differ for LGBTQ+ professionals?
- What trauma-informed practices have you implemented in your coaching programs?
Finding The Right LGBTQ+ Career Coach
Identifying the right coach, especially one who aligns with your identity, is a meaningful step in investing in yourself and your career. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your current role, struggling to find a new job, or simply wanting to level up, partnering with a coach can make the process less isolating and more empowering. You’ve got this!
