More Human. More Kind. | Parenting LGBTQ Kids, Unlearning Fear, Becoming More Human

Heather Hester | Advocate for Parents of LGBTQ Teens
  • 4.6 (117)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Semiweekly

"Mom, I think I might be_____." Whether that sentence ended in gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, or something they're still figuring out — you are in the right place. Maybe you're scared. Maybe you're grieving something you can't quite name yet. Maybe you're desperate to get this right and terrified that you've already gotten it wrong. This show is for you, exactly where you are right now. More Human. More Kind. is hosted by Heather Hester, author of Parenting with Pride and a fierce advocate for LGBTQ kids, their parents, and the people who love them. Each week Heather brings lived experience, practical guidance, and the kind of honest conversation that helps you move from fear and confusion to grounded, loving action. Whether you're a parent in the early days of your child coming out, an ally deepening your understanding, or someone unlearning old beliefs to show up better for the people you love, this is your place. Every episode gives you something real: tools for navigating the hard moments, having difficult conversations, guidance on loving boundaries, and the steady reminder that you don't have to figure this out alone. New episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Start with fan-favorite Episode 3: Embrace the Messiness of Supporting Your LGBTQ Teen, an honest conversation that will help you exhale, reflect, and show up more fully for the people you love. Three-time Women in Podcasting Award winner for Best LGBTQ+ Podcast, 2024 through 2026. Top 1.5% of podcasts globally. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

  1. 1d ago

    Books Are Windows and Mirrors: Sheri Becker on Writing Inclusive Kids' Books and Fighting Bans

    SPECIAL EPISODE! What actually happens when a book gets banned, and who pays the price for it? Heather sits down with children's author and Whale Rock Workshops founder Sheri Becker to talk about why inclusive books matter for every kid on the shelf, not just the ones who see themselves in the story. Sheri pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to write across difference, why publishers are quietly passing on great books before they're even banned, and what parents can do that actually moves the needle. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Understand why books work as both windows and mirrors for kids, and why every bookshelf needs bothRecognize what's really driving the current wave of book bans, and why it's nothing newSupport authors, libraries, and publishers in concrete ways, from library requests to buying banned titles directly Press play to learn why the fight over banned books is really a fight over which kids get to feel less alone. Head over to Substack for a complete list of Shari's recommended books! Check out programming at Whalerock Workshops! Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here! Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Download my free guide to take you from Panic to Plan. Stay informed - visit my website Join the Conversation on Substack Read my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Invite me to speak at your workshop or event Watch on YouTube Listen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday! This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out. 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 connection. For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me. More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast in a heartfelt and empowering space where a mom and advocate offers the wisdom of lived experience and practical guidance and education to parents and allies, teaching empathy, kindness, love, and strong boundaries while supporting LGBTQ teens and the diverse LGBTQ community, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, transgender, and queer individuals, through conversations about mental health, grief, gender identity, sexual orientation, human rights, social justice, parenting, parent support, and meaningful LGBTQ allyship and allyship in action. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

    Books Are Windows and Mirrors: Sheri Becker on Writing Inclusive Kids' Books and Fighting Bans

  2. 2d ago

    A Gay Son and a Lesbian Daughter Need Different Things From You: What Parents Get Wrong

    "Gay is gay."Except it isn't. And if you're parenting both a son and a daughter through coming out, you may know that, but NOT know what to do. A gay son and a lesbian daughter face different stereotypes, different safety realities, and different early questions about who they are. This episode names both directly. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Debunk the most common stereotypes attached to gay sons and lesbian daughtersUnderstand the orientation-specific safety facts every parent needs: HIV/PrEP awareness for sons, IPV and healthcare access for daughtersRecognize that your son and daughter may need entirely different support from you, even when coming out into the same family Press play to learn what's actually different, and why it matters that you know. RESOURCES https://heatherhester.net/starthere PFLAG (pflag.org) CDC HIV testing/PrEP locator (hiv.gov) The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386 / text START to 678-678). The Gottman Institute Study on Same Sex Couples Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here! Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Download my free guide to take you from Panic to Plan. Stay informed - visit my website Join the Conversation on Substack Read my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Invite me to speak at your workshop or event Watch on YouTube Listen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday! This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out. 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 connection. For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me. More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast in a heartfelt and empowering space where a mom and advocate offers the wisdom of lived experience and practical guidance and education to parents and allies, teaching empathy, kindness, love, and strong boundaries while supporting LGBTQ teens and the diverse LGBTQ community, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, transgender, and queer individuals, through conversations about mental health, grief, gender identity, sexual orientation, human rights, social justice, parenting, parent support, and meaningful LGBTQ allyship and allyship in action. Mentioned in this episode: Contact Hester Painting & Decorating for a consultation! https://go.hesterdecorating.com/mhmk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

    A Gay Son and a Lesbian Daughter Need Different Things From You: What Parents Get Wrong

  3. 6d ago

    Four Tiny Actions for Every Stage of Your Own Coming-Out Process

    Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all of the information coming at you? This week's Butterfly Effect gives you four tiny actions across four different points in your own process, from repairing a moment you regret to saying your pride out loud. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Use the specific repair language for a moment you wish you'd handled differentlyGet guilt out of your head and onto paper instead of letting it circle silentlyKnow what to do instead of arguing when you're stuck in conflictSay one sentence of advocacy out loud, even if it feels like more than you're ready for Press play for four tiny actions you can start today. Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here! Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Download my free guide to take you from Panic to Plan. Stay informed - visit my website Join the Conversation on Substack Read my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Invite me to speak at your workshop or event Watch on YouTube Listen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday! This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out. 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 connection. For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me. More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast in a heartfelt and empowering space where a mom and advocate offers the wisdom of lived experience and practical guidance and education to parents and allies, teaching empathy, kindness, love, and strong boundaries while supporting LGBTQ teens and the diverse LGBTQ community, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, transgender, and queer individuals, through conversations about mental health, grief, gender identity, sexual orientation, human rights, social justice, parenting, parent support, and meaningful LGBTQ allyship and allyship in action. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

    Four Tiny Actions for Every Stage of Your Own Coming-Out Process

  4. Sep 8

    The Six Stages Every Parent Goes Through When Their Kid Comes Out

    Your teen isn't the only one going through a coming out process. You are too, and most parents skip past their own. From shock to true acceptance, there are six distinct stages parents move through after a child comes out. Naming them makes the hardest parts- the guilt, the denial, the shame- survivable instead of silent. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Recognize which of the six stages you're in right now, from shock through true acceptanceWork through guilt and shame without carrying them for yearsMove toward genuine acceptance instead of just tolerance Press play to find out where you are in your own coming out process — and how to keep moving forward. Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here! Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Download my free guide to take you from Panic to Plan. Stay informed - visit my website Join the Conversation on Substack Read my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Invite me to speak at your workshop or event Watch on YouTube Listen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday! This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out. 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 connection. For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me. More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast in a heartfelt and empowering space where a mom and advocate offers the wisdom of lived experience and practical guidance and education to parents and allies, teaching empathy, kindness, love, and strong boundaries while supporting LGBTQ teens and the diverse LGBTQ community, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, transgender, and queer individuals, through conversations about mental health, grief, gender identity, sexual orientation, human rights, social justice, parenting, parent support, and meaningful LGBTQ allyship and allyship in action. Mentioned in this episode: Contact Hester Painting & Decorating for a consultation! https://go.hesterdecorating.com/mhmk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

    The Six Stages Every Parent Goes Through When Their Kid Comes Out

  5. Sep 4

    You Don't Need the Right Words: Coming Out Support in Four Small Moves

    Tuesday's six stages aren't just something to understand — they're something to practice. This week's Butterfly Effect gives you one small action for four different moments in your teen's coming out process, from staying present in silence to knowing exactly when to step back. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Practice being a "witness" instead of an investigator during the invisible early stageAsk the one question that takes pressure off your kid during the double-life stageRecognize when pulling back, not stepping in, is the most supportive thing you can do Press play for four tiny actions you can start today. Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here! Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Download my free guide to take you from Panic to Plan. Stay informed - visit my website Join the Conversation on Substack Read my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Invite me to speak at your workshop or event Watch on YouTube Listen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday! This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out. 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 connection. For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me. More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast in a heartfelt and empowering space where a mom and advocate offers the wisdom of lived experience and practical guidance and education to parents and allies, teaching empathy, kindness, love, and strong boundaries while supporting LGBTQ teens and the diverse LGBTQ community, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, transgender, and queer individuals, through conversations about mental health, grief, gender identity, sexual orientation, human rights, social justice, parenting, parent support, and meaningful LGBTQ allyship and allyship in action. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

    You Don't Need the Right Words: Coming Out Support in Four Small Moves

  6. Sep 1

    Understanding Your Teen's Coming Out Process: Vital Support Info for Parents

    Looking for support but not quite sure what type? We've got you covered! Did you know that your teen may be going through the hardest, most private season of their life right now and showing you almost none of it? Coming out isn't one conversation; it's a six-stage internal process your teen may move through for years before they ever say the words out loud. Understanding where they are helps you know how to show up — and when quiet isolation is more than a phase. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Recognize the six stages of your teen's coming out process, from identity confusion through synthesisTell the difference between normal identity development and warning signs that need professional supportSupport your teen through isolation, shame, and pride without rushing or forcing their process Press play to understand what your teen may be carrying alone right now — and how to become the safe door they need. Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here! Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Download my free guide to take you from Panic to Plan. Stay informed - visit my website Join the Conversation on Substack Read my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Invite me to speak at your workshop or event Watch on YouTube Listen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday! This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out. 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 connection. For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me. More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast in a heartfelt and empowering space where a mom and advocate offers the wisdom of lived experience and practical guidance and education to parents and allies, teaching empathy, kindness, love, and strong boundaries while supporting LGBTQ teens and the diverse LGBTQ community, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, transgender, and queer individuals, through conversations about mental health, grief, gender identity, sexual orientation, human rights, social justice, parenting, parent support, and meaningful LGBTQ allyship and allyship in action. Mentioned in this episode: Contact Hester Painting & Decorating for a consultation! https://go.hesterdecorating.com/mhmk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

    Understanding Your Teen's Coming Out Process: Vital Support Info for Parents

  7. Aug 28

    A Reset for Parents of LGBTQ Kids Who Are Ready for the Quieter Work of Unlearning

    The unlearning doesn't stop. It just gets quieter, and quieter isn't the same as finished. This Butterfly Effect episode picks up Tuesday's quarterly check-in with one small practice: catching the reflex to label someone before you actually know anything true about them. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Notice the moment you want to label someone's gender or identity before you've been told anythingSit in uncertainty about someone's identity without reaching for a label to ease your own discomfortAsk yourself what you're still doing on autopilot that deserves a second look Press play for this week's word, tiny action, and one line worth stealing. Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here! Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Download my free guide to take you from Panic to Plan. Stay informed - visit my website Join the Conversation on Substack Read my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Invite me to speak at your workshop or event Watch on YouTube Listen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday! This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out. 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 connection. For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me. More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast in a heartfelt and empowering space where a mom and advocate offers the wisdom of lived experience and practical guidance and education to parents and allies, teaching empathy, kindness, love, and strong boundaries while supporting LGBTQ teens and the diverse LGBTQ community, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, transgender, and queer individuals, through conversations about mental health, grief, gender identity, sexual orientation, human rights, social justice, parenting, parent support, and meaningful LGBTQ allyship and allyship in action. Mentioned in this episode: Contact Hester Painting & Decorating for a consultation! https://go.hesterdecorating.com/mhmk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

    A Reset for Parents of LGBTQ Kids Who Are Ready for the Quieter Work of Unlearning

  8. Aug 25

    Unlearning Doesn't End It Just Gets Quieter: What Parents of LGBTQ Kids Need to Know

    Let's connect on Substack! Love is proven by what you're willing to unlearn. This is a check-in on that, for you and for me. Year-one unlearning is loud: fear, shame, and often a full religious deconstruction, and impossible to miss. What comes after is quieter and easy to overlook entirely: the automatic reach for a label, a tidy category, before you actually know anything true about someone. This episode is an honest look at where allyship goes once the big, obvious work is behind you. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Recognize the difference between year-one unlearning and the quieter unlearning that followsNotice the habit of labeling, and why it creates comfort for you and walls for someone elseRun a quarterly self-audit to keep your unlearning honest and ongoingNormalize still catching yourself, years into this work, as the actual practice rather than failure Press play for the full Quarterly Unlearning Check-In, five questions to return to every three months. Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here! Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Download my free guide to take you from Panic to Plan. Stay informed - visit my website Join the Conversation on Substack Read my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Invite me to speak at your workshop or event Watch on YouTube Listen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday! This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out. 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 connection. For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me. More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast in a heartfelt and empowering space where a mom and advocate offers the wisdom of lived experience and practical guidance and education to parents and allies, teaching empathy, kindness, love, and strong boundaries while supporting LGBTQ teens and the diverse LGBTQ community, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, transgender, and queer individuals, through conversations about mental health, grief, gender identity, sexual orientation, human rights, social justice, parenting, parent support, and meaningful LGBTQ allyship and allyship in action. Mentioned in this episode: Contact Hester Painting & Decorating for a consultation! https://go.hesterdecorating.com/mhmk This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

    Unlearning Doesn't End It Just Gets Quieter: What Parents of LGBTQ Kids Need to Know
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"Mom, I think I might be_____." Whether that sentence ended in gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, or something they're still figuring out — you are in the right place. Maybe you're scared. Maybe you're grieving something you can't quite name yet. Maybe you're desperate to get this right and terrified that you've already gotten it wrong. This show is for you, exactly where you are right now. More Human. More Kind. is hosted by Heather Hester, author of Parenting with Pride and a fierce advocate for LGBTQ kids, their parents, and the people who love them. Each week Heather brings lived experience, practical guidance, and the kind of honest conversation that helps you move from fear and confusion to grounded, loving action. Whether you're a parent in the early days of your child coming out, an ally deepening your understanding, or someone unlearning old beliefs to show up better for the people you love, this is your place. Every episode gives you something real: tools for navigating the hard moments, having difficult conversations, guidance on loving boundaries, and the steady reminder that you don't have to figure this out alone. New episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Start with fan-favorite Episode 3: Embrace the Messiness of Supporting Your LGBTQ Teen, an honest conversation that will help you exhale, reflect, and show up more fully for the people you love. Three-time Women in Podcasting Award winner for Best LGBTQ+ Podcast, 2024 through 2026. Top 1.5% of podcasts globally. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

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