A mentor has an ethical responsibility to support, encourage, guide, protect, and empower their mentee. They must also be aware of power dynamics and maintain a healthy boundary between themselves and the person they are guiding. When working with queer writers who may have experienced discrimination or marginalization due to their gender identity or expression, this duty becomes more complicated because of the additional challenges that come with finding representation and navigating the publishing industry. This article explores the ways that mentors can promote inclusivity, accountability, and social responsibility while providing literary guidance for queer writers.
Promoting Inclusivity
One way that mentors can promote inclusivity is by recommending books written by queer authors or featuring queer characters. Mentors should make sure they are familiar with all genres and types of literature and avoid recommending work solely based on popularity or critical acclaim. Instead, seek out diverse perspectives and stories that reflect the realities of different identities. Reading material that represents the mentee's experiences can help them feel seen and heard in the world of writing.
Mentors should encourage mentees to read beyond the recommended reading list and explore other genres and styles of writing that challenge their preconceptions about what constitutes "good" literature.
Accountability
Mentors need to hold themselves accountable for how they use their privilege and position when guiding queer writers. They should strive not to take advantage of any power imbalances or use their connections to gain access to resources. Instead, mentors should actively look for opportunities to open doors for their mentees, whether it be through introducing them to potential publishers, agents, or editors or helping them find funding for their projects. Mentors should also be transparent about their own biases and blind spots and remain aware of how these may influence their recommendations or advice.
Social Responsibility
As mentors guide queer writers towards creating more socially responsible literature, they must ensure they do not perpetuate harmful tropes or stereotypes.
If a mentee is writing a story where a character struggles with their gender identity, the mentor should discuss the potential pitfalls of using language such as "she/he" or "it" without consulting the writer first.
Mentors should encourage their mentees to create nuanced characters who defy expectations instead of relying on easy labels or clichés. By promoting inclusivity, accountability, and social responsibility, mentors can help create a more equitable literary landscape for queer writers.
What ethical obligations arise in mentoring queer writers to ensure inclusive, accountable, and socially responsible literary guidance?
The role of a mentor is to provide support and encouragement to their mentees while also helping them develop their skills and knowledge. As such, mentors have an ethical responsibility to create an environment that is inclusive, accountable, and socially responsible for all individuals they work with, including queer writers. This includes ensuring that their mentees feel safe and comfortable sharing their identities and experiences without fear of judgment or discrimination.