More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for Parents of LGBTQ Teens

Heather Hester
  • 4.7 (111)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Do you wish you could better support your LGBTQ child? To be an ally who shows up with courage, clarity, and compassion in your family, workplace, and community? You're not alone. More Human. More Kind. is a twice-weekly podcast supporting concerned parents and allies of LGBTQ+ kids who are ready to move from fear, grief, and confusion to healing, resilience, and empowered advocacy. Hosted by Heather Hester, author of Parenting with Pride and a fierce advocate for human rights and social justice, each episode blends grounded insights, personal stories, and practical guidance to help you protect what matters, raise brave kids, and spark collective change. * You'll learn to navigate mental health challenges, set loving boundaries, and find hope and support through the messiness of parenting, allyship, and becoming. * Whether you're wrestling with bigotry, searching for connection and community, or ready to shift your mindset toward kindness and open-minded action, this show offers the education and encouragement you need. New episodes drop every Tuesday and Friday, featuring expert interviews, vulnerable Listener Queer-ies, and timely solo episodes that foster growth, empathy, and activism. Start with fan-favorite Episode 3: Embrace the Messiness of Supporting Your LGBTQ Teen (With Resilience & Hope), an honest conversation that will help you exhale, reflect, and show up more fully and fiercely for the people you love.

  1. Why Waiting for Things to “Settle Down” Is Hurting Your LGBTQ Teen (And What to Do Instead)

    2D AGO

    Why Waiting for Things to “Settle Down” Is Hurting Your LGBTQ Teen (And What to Do Instead)

    Are you an overwhelmed mom of an LGBTQ+ teen who's feeling lost trying to navigate the coming out process, and wants to let go of shame and embarrassment, as well as build a deeper connection of trust within yourself and your teen? Click here to learn how to work with me 1-1. Have you been telling yourself, “Let’s just give it time,” while the distance between you and your LGBTQ teen quietly grows? Many loving parents believe waiting is the mature, thoughtful move. Don’t push. Don’t overreact. Don’t say the wrong thing. But in this episode, Heather Hester unpacks why silence often lands as disapproval, how emotional restraint creates disconnection, and why waiting for clarity can actually widen the gap you’re trying to close. If you’re trying to be a steady LGBTQ ally but feel stuck in fear, this episode offers grounded guidance that moves you from hesitation to connection. In this episode, you’ll: Understand why silence feels protective but often lands as rejectionLearn thow waiting becomes a loop and how it quietly increases emotional distanceGet one simple, doable sentence you can use this week to reopen connection without escalating tension You’ll leave with a calmer nervous system and a clearer path forward. Press play to learn how to interrupt the silence, reconnect with your LGBTQ child, and show up as the steady, loving ally they need — even before everything feels “figured out.” Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here! Are you ready to take action? Fill out this Discovery Form to get a personalized recommendation! Invite me to speak at your workshop or event Read my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review! Connect heather@heatherhester.net Buy Me A Coffee Watch on YouTube Listen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday! At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and grow their capacity for courageous, compassionate connection. For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action. Whether you’re listening in, working with me

    10 min
  2. 5 Reasons Pushing LGBTQ Support Groups Can Backfire (And What Parents Should Do Instead)

    5D AGO

    5 Reasons Pushing LGBTQ Support Groups Can Backfire (And What Parents Should Do Instead)

    Get your copy of Connected Without Forcing It! As a parent of an LGBTQ teen, are you constantly told that community is the answer? While community can be powerful, it’s not one-size-fits-all. In this episode, Heather Hester unpacks why traditional LGBTQ support spaces sometimes increase anxiety instead of easing it and how well-meaning parents can unintentionally create pressure instead of inclusion. In this episode, you’ll: Understand why some LGBTQ teens reject support groups (and what that really means)Learn how pushing the wrong format can erode trust and increase isolationDiscover practical, real-world alternatives that feel safer and more aligned with your teen’s personality and pace Press play now to learn how to support your LGBTQ teen in ways that build connection, reduce pressure, and truly fit who they are. Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here! Are you ready to take action? Fill out this Discovery Form to get a personalized recommendation! Invite me to speak at your workshop or event Read my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review! Connect heather@heatherhester.net Buy Me A Coffee Watch on YouTube Listen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday! At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and grow their capacity for courageous, compassionate connection. For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action. Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in, I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey. More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast for parents and allies and space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals while addressing grief, boundaries, education, diversity, human rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, social justice, and the power of love and human kindness

    12 min
  3. Stop the 2 AM Anxiety Doomscroll About Your LGBTQ Teen and Become a Calmer Ally

    FEB 13

    Stop the 2 AM Anxiety Doomscroll About Your LGBTQ Teen and Become a Calmer Ally

    Are you an overwhelmed mom of an LGBTQ+ teen who's feeling lost trying to navigate the coming out process, and wants to let go of shame and embarrassment, as well as build a deeper connection of trust within yourself and your teen? Click here to learn how to work with me 1-1. Are you up at 2AM Googling everything about your LGBTQ teen—and somehow feeling more panicked and alone? This episode is for parents who are trying to be a steady LGBTQ ally, but feel stuck in late-night searching that only fuels fear. Heather breaks down why information isn’t bringing relief, how anxiety quietly leaks into your home, and what grounded guidance and inclusion actually look like in real life. Understand why Googling increases anxiety instead of calming itLearn how a three step Loop creates distance even when you mean wellGet a simple regulation + connection strategy to use tonight so you can show up as a calmer, more inclusive ally Press play to step out of the spiral and learn a steadier, more supportive way to care for your LGBTQ child—and yourself. Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here! Are you ready to take action? Fill out this Discovery Form to get a personalized recommendation! Invite me to speak at your workshop or event Read my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review! Connect heather@heatherhester.net Buy Me A Coffee Watch on YouTube Listen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday! At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and grow their capacity for courageous, compassionate connection. For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action. Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in, I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey. More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast for parents and allies and space where a mom and mental health...

    12 min
  4. How Letting Go of the “Movie Reel” in Your Head Builds Real Connection With Your LGBTQ Teen

    FEB 10

    How Letting Go of the “Movie Reel” in Your Head Builds Real Connection With Your LGBTQ Teen

    Grab your copy of Permission to Feel here! Are you silently grieving the future you imagined for your child and feeling ashamed for having those feelings? In this episode, I gently unpack the hidden grief that many parents of LGBTQ youth carry in silence. If you’ve been telling yourself “this shouldn’t be about me,” while secretly struggling with sadness, confusion, or fear, this episode gives you both permission and guidance to process those emotions in a way that strengthens your bond with your child. Learn how unacknowledged grief can block connection, safety, and inclusionDiscover why processing your own emotions makes you a more grounded, loving allyGet access to Permission to Feel — a free, powerful 7-step journaling tool to move from guilt to clarity If you're ready to stop stuffing down your feelings and start showing up with clarity and compassion, press play now — and let your healing begin. Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here! Are you ready to take action? Fill out this Discovery Form to get a personalized recommendation! Invite me to speak at your workshop or event Read my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review! Connect heather@heatherhester.net Buy Me A Coffee Watch on YouTube Listen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday! At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and grow their capacity for courageous, compassionate connection. For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action. Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in, I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey. More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and...

    8 min
  5. Why Fixing Your LGBTQ Child’s Struggles Can Backfire

    FEB 6

    Why Fixing Your LGBTQ Child’s Struggles Can Backfire

    Let's help you step out of the fixing trap and into a relationship where your child actually wants to come to you. Complete this Discovery Form to see if you are ready to work with me! Click Here Do you find yourself trying to “fix” everything for your LGBTQ child only to watch them shut down and pull away? In this episode, I dive into the hidden trap many loving, well-meaning parents fall into: the urge to manage, smooth over, and solve instead of validate and connect. You’ll learn how this instinct, though rooted in love, can unintentionally block trust, and what to do instead. Discover why the instinct to fix often feels like rejection to LGBTQ teensLearn the key differences between support and control and how fear disguises itself as helpGet simple, grounding language that builds emotional safety and deepens connection fast If you’re ready to move from fear to inclusion and become the kind of ally your child truly needs, press play now and start shifting from fixer to safe space. Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here! Are you ready to take action? Fill out this Discovery Form to get a personalized recommendation! Invite me to speak at your workshop or event Read my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review! Connect heather@heatherhester.net Buy Me A Coffee Watch on YouTube Listen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday! At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and grow their capacity for courageous, compassionate connection. For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action. Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in, I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey. More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast for parents and allies and space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community including lesbian, gay, bisexual,...

    15 min
  6. Parents, Learn What the Silent Phase of LGBTQ Identity Is And Be the Ally Your Teen Needs

    FEB 3

    Parents, Learn What the Silent Phase of LGBTQ Identity Is And Be the Ally Your Teen Needs

    Click Here to Get Your Guide: Decode the Silence Is your teen unusually quiet, withdrawn, or different, and you’re wondering what’s really going on beneath the surface? For many LGBTQ teens, the process of coming out begins in total silence, long before they have the words to express who they are. In this powerful episode, Heather Hester shares essential guidance for parents to recognize what’s really happening, and how to become a true ally before a single word is spoken. Learn the 9 subtle signs your LGBTQ teen may be struggling with identity and what those signals really meanDiscover how to respond with calm presence, so your child feels emotionally safe and supportedBecome the inclusive parent and ally your teen needs during the silent phase of coming out If you’re ready to show up with inclusion, guidance, and love, even in silence, press play now and take your first step toward being the ally your teen is hoping for. Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here! Are you ready to take action? Fill out this Discovery Form to get a personalized recommendation! Invite me to speak at your workshop or event Read my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review! Connect heather@heatherhester.net Buy Me A Coffee Watch on YouTube Listen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday! At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and grow their capacity for courageous, compassionate connection. For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action. Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in, I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey. More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast for parents and allies and space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, and...

    9 min
  7. Parents, Does Fear Rule Your Thoughts? The Truth About Shame, Fear & Loving Your LGBTQ Child

    JAN 30

    Parents, Does Fear Rule Your Thoughts? The Truth About Shame, Fear & Loving Your LGBTQ Child

    Do you want relief from carrying all of this alone, someone who won't judge you for being human, and tools to process these feelings so they stop controlling you? Let's find out if working together is the answer! CLICK HERE You love your LGBTQ child fiercely, so why do you still have thoughts that terrify you? Thoughts you’d never say out loud. Thoughts that make you question if you’re a good parent at all. This episode brings those hidden fears into the light, gently and without judgment. In this raw and healing episode of More Human, More Kind, Heather Hester talks directly to parents who are trying to show up with love… while secretly battling shame, fear, and doubt. You’ll learn: Why your brain creates “dark” thoughts when your child comes outHow internalized fear and cultural conditioning shape your parenting responseWhy mental health and emotional regulation are essential in LGBTQ parentingHow shame harms your relationship even when left unspokenThe truth about what kind of ally your child actually needs This is the episode to listen to if you’ve ever thought: “What if I mess this up?”“Why can’t I just be okay with this already?”“What’s wrong with me?”The truth? Nothing is wrong with you. You’re not broken. You’re a parent trying to unlearn generations of fear and step into open-minded, practical allyship. And that process takes empathy, not perfection. Listen now to release the shame that’s been holding you back from deeper connection with your LGBTQ child. Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here! Are you ready to take action? Fill out this Discovery Form to get a personalized recommendation! Invite me to speak at your workshop or event Read my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review! Connect heather@heatherhester.net Buy Me A Coffee Watch on YouTube Listen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday! At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace...

    18 min
  8. Understanding January Grief as a Parent of an LGBTQ Child

    JAN 27

    Understanding January Grief as a Parent of an LGBTQ Child

    Are you ready to move through the heaviness so you can connect and communicate with your LGBTQ+ child? Let's have a discovery call to see if working together is the right fit! Click Here! Does the start of a new year feel heavy instead of hopeful? Are you tired, overwhelmed, or carrying a kind of sadness you can't quite name? If you're a parent of an LGBTQ+ teen, this episode is your reminder that nothing is wrong with you, your body, your mind, and your heart are simply asking to be heard. In today’s deeply grounding episode of More Human, More Kind, Heather Hester gently explores the emotional aftermath of the holidays and why so many parents, especially those parenting LGBTQ+ kids, feel grief instead of motivation in January. You’ll learn: Why grief and hope can coexist (and must)How mental health is impacted by unacknowledged stress and survival modeWhat January grief really looks and feels like (hint: it’s not always tears)Why emotional support for parents is essential, not optionalFive simple, research-backed practices to help you feel lighter This isn’t about pushing through or forcing joy. It’s about understanding the very real mental and emotional cost of caregiving, advocacy, and parenting LGBTQ+ teens in a world that often asks too much. Heather offers a message of healing, empathy, and deep parental self-trust, helping you move from silent bracing to honest presence. Listen now to validate your experience and learn one small shift that can lighten your emotional load. Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here! Are you ready to take action? Fill out this Discovery Form to get a personalized recommendation! Invite me to speak at your workshop or event Read my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review! Connect heather@heatherhester.net Buy Me A Coffee Watch on YouTube Listen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday! At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and grow their capacity for courageous, compassionate connection. For...

    20 min
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Do you wish you could better support your LGBTQ child? To be an ally who shows up with courage, clarity, and compassion in your family, workplace, and community? You're not alone. More Human. More Kind. is a twice-weekly podcast supporting concerned parents and allies of LGBTQ+ kids who are ready to move from fear, grief, and confusion to healing, resilience, and empowered advocacy. Hosted by Heather Hester, author of Parenting with Pride and a fierce advocate for human rights and social justice, each episode blends grounded insights, personal stories, and practical guidance to help you protect what matters, raise brave kids, and spark collective change. * You'll learn to navigate mental health challenges, set loving boundaries, and find hope and support through the messiness of parenting, allyship, and becoming. * Whether you're wrestling with bigotry, searching for connection and community, or ready to shift your mindset toward kindness and open-minded action, this show offers the education and encouragement you need. New episodes drop every Tuesday and Friday, featuring expert interviews, vulnerable Listener Queer-ies, and timely solo episodes that foster growth, empathy, and activism. Start with fan-favorite Episode 3: Embrace the Messiness of Supporting Your LGBTQ Teen (With Resilience & Hope), an honest conversation that will help you exhale, reflect, and show up more fully and fiercely for the people you love.

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