Obama: Why you need an LGBTQIA+ Mentor or Friend

BARACK OBAMA on What It Takes to Raise Boys

Imagine sitting down with friends who are different from you. Maybe they love differently, identify differently, or see the world in ways you have never thought about. That is what Barack Obama talked about on a podcast called IMO, which was hosted by Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson, on July 16, 2025. He shared a story about a gay professor from his college days who helped him become a better person. This is not just a nice story; it is a reminder that having all kinds of people around you, including those from the LGBTQIA+ community can make you kinder, wiser, and more understanding.

The College Professor

Back when Barack Obama was in college, being openly gay was not common. But he had a professor who was, and this man became one of his favorite teachers. Why? Because this professor did not just teach lessons from books, he called out Obama when he said things that were not thoughtful. That kind of honesty helped Obama see the world differently. It showed him that everyone, no matter who they love or how they identify, has something valuable to share.

This matters because when you have friends or mentors who are different, maybe they are gay, lesbian, transgender, or nonbinary, you learn to listen and understand. You stop judging and start seeing people for who they are. Obama said this is how young people, especially boys, grow into men who are strong but also kind. If you know someone who is LGBTQIA+, it helps others around you, like a friend or a child, who might feel alone in their identity. They will know they are not the only ones.

Why This Matters Now

This message comes at a tough time. Some leaders, like Donald Trump, have been saying harsh things about transgender people. In January 2025, a group called Human Rights Watch reported that Trump and his team wants to limit the rights of transgender people, saying they should not have the same space in society as reported by the Human Rights Watch (2025). This kind of talk makes life harder for people who are already fighting to be accepted.

But here is what I believe, and I think you will agree with me. I strongly feel that everyone deserves to live happily and safely, no matter whom they love or how they identify. Being gay, lesbian, transgender, or anything else does not make someone a bad person. It does not mean they are out to harm anyone. Science tells us that how people identify often comes from their biology, not something they choose because of friends or society. So why judge them? Their choices cannot stop you from living your life!

Learning from Each Other

Having LGBTQIA+ friends or mentors does not mean you will become like them even when you do not intent to and if you do, it should be perfectly okay. Obama had a gay professor, but that did not change who he was and neither did the professor expect him to become gay. It just made him more open-minded. I think that is the point! Meeting people who are different helps you grow without changing who you are at your core. It’s like adding new colors to a painting; it makes the picture richer, not wrong.

Some might say their faith does not agree with this. That is also okay. Your beliefs are between you and your God and nothing should compromise that. However, respecting others does not mean that you are giving up what you believe. It means letting people live their truth while you live yours. In any society, for instance, we know the value of community. It’s the idea that we are all connected. Including everyone, even those who are different, makes our community stronger.

The Bigger Picture

Barack Obama has been talking about this for years. In 2015, Obama was the first president to appear on the cover of a magazine called OUT, which is dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community. This followed a celebration of a big court decision that legalized same-sex marriage in the United States. His saying that “Love is love” sparked controversy globally but he has maintained that that’s the kind of thinking the world needs. People should be seen as people rather than as labels.

When you have friends who are different, you are also helping yourself and this is synonymous with the fact that you hurt yourself more when you hate. And when you remain open-minded, you learn to listen, and to care, and to stand up for what is right and not for what is popular. That’s how we build a strong inclusive society-a world where everyone feels at home.