In The Den with Mama Dragons

Mama Dragons

You're navigating parenting an LGBTQ+ child without a manual and knowing what to do and what to say isn't always easy. Each week we’ll visit with other parents of queer kids, talk with members of the LGBTQ+ community, learn from experts, and together explore ways to better parent our LGBTQ+ children. Join with us as we walk and talk with you through this journey of raising healthy, happy, and productive LGBTQ+ humans.

  1. 2d ago

    Land, Love, and Queer Resistance in Red America

    Send us Fan Mail What does it mean as a queer person to love a place deeply when that place has so often tried to make queer people disappear? Today In the Den, Sara visits with author, activist, and former Idaho legislator Cole LeFavour to talk about their powerful new memoir In the Arms of Mountains: A Story of Land, Love, and Queer Resistance in Red America. In 2004, Cole made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the Idaho Legislature, serving four terms as an Idaho State Senator and leading multiple acts of civil disobedience in the State Capitol. In addition to their being a legislator and activist, Cole has also been a long-time writer and an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in publications including The North American Review, Idaho Wilderness Considered, and Sawtooth-White Cloud. They write from deep in Idaho about conscience, wildness, belonging, and what it means to build a life rooted in both place and resistance. Part memoir, part love letter to Idaho’s wild places, and part testimony of queer resistance, Cole LeFavour’s story explores what it means to be shaped by a place that doesn’t always know how to love you back.  Special Guest: Cole LeFavour Cole Nicole LeFavour writes about conscience and the wild from deep in Idaho. An activist, award-winning journalist and writer Cole’s stories and essays have appeared in The North American Review, Idaho Wilderness Considered, Sawtooth-White Cloud, among others. In 2004, LeFavour became the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the Idaho Legislature, elected four times, serving as an Idaho State Senator and leading multiple acts of civil disobedience in the State Capitol. Cole's book, IN THE ARMS OF MOUNTAINS: A STORY OF LAND, LOVE, AND QUEER RESISTANCE IN RED AMERICA was published by Beacon Press in May.  Links from the Show:  Find Cole’s Book In the Arms of Mountains hereCole on FBCole on IGJoin Mama Dragons today In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Support the show Connect with Mama Dragons: Website Instagram Facebook Donate to this podcast

    Land, Love, and Queer Resistance in Red America
  2. Jul 6

    Parenting Is Political

    Send us Fan Mail Today’s In the Den episode is a rerun and one that cuts right to the heart of our Mama Dragons mission — we’re diving into the truth that parenting is political. Whether we like it or not, the choices we make as parents, how we show up for our kids, what we teach them, how we advocate for them, all ripple out into the world around us. When you’re parenting queer kids, those ripples can have a far reach and significant impact. Sara talks with special guest Jasmine Banks about the importance of nurturing a community committed to collective growth and support, because raising children is to actively participate in societal change, and the way we parent today directly influences the world our children will inherit tomorrow.  Special Guest: Jasmine Banks Jasmine Banks (she/her) has more than 10 years of progressive advocacy, movement building, and organizing experience. She spent the last five years dedicated to leading an intervention campaign, UnKoch My Campus, addressing the impact of far-right billionaires leveraging their philanthropic donations in higher education to erode democracy. During the campaigns she organized multiple campuses, coalitions, and provided movement support to hundreds of students, educators, and community activists. Jasmine has traveled to a number of higher ed institutions to speak with students and faculty about donor transparency and academic freedom. She was most recently honored to give a keynote for the Higher Education division of the American Federation of Teachers. Jasmine is also a former licensed therapist, Chief Marketing Officer, and small business owner. Links from the Show: Generation Common Good: https://generationcommongood.org/ Parenting Is Political podcast: https://www.parentingispolitical.org/episodes Join Mama Dragons here: www.mamadragons.org  In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Support the show Connect with Mama Dragons: Website Instagram Facebook Donate to this podcast

    Parenting Is Political
  3. Jun 29

    Unlearning Bias and Embracing Your Queer Child

    Send us Fan Mail Content Warning: this episode contains frank discussions of self-harm and suicidality. This episode is a rerun and an increasingly important topic for today’s environment. At Mama Dragons we know the value of shame-free spaces where parents of LGBTQ+ kids can explore, learn, and grow. Building families and communities rooted in genuine support is an important part of creating healthy futures for our queer children. Today In the Den, Sara visits with creator, author, and speaker Heather Hester about parenting LGBTQ+ children, unlearning the biases of our past, and learning to embrace, empower, and love our queer kids more fully.  Special Guest: Heather Hester  Heather Hester is the creator and host of the podcast More Human. More Kind., founder of Chrysalis Mama, and author of Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen. She is a speaker, writer, and fierce advocate helping parents, allies, and organizations move from confusion and fear to compassion and courageous action.  When her son came out as gay in 2017, it ignited a journey of unlearning, deep personal growth, and radical love. She quickly realized the need for more supportive, shame-free spaces for parents of LGBTQ+ kids and those seeking to become better allies. What began as a content-rich website and podcast has grown into a platform offering inclusive coaching, LGBTQ+ and Human-First consulting, and storytelling-driven workshops and talks. Heather is married to the funniest guy she’s ever known and mom to their four extraordinary kids (two of whom are LGBTQ), and one super sassy mini Bernedoodle. She’s a weather nerd, a lover of indie bookstores and coffee shops, and a yogi who believes in the magic of connection and that belonging isn’t just a feeling—it’s a practice. Links from the Show: Heather’s Podcast, More Human, More Kind: https://www.morehumanmorekind.com/ Heather’s book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/parenting-with-pride-unlearn-bias-and-embrace-empower-and-love-your-lgbtq-teen-heather-hester/f658509f6a467cac?ean=9781641709125&next=t Chrysalis Mama on FB: https://www.facebook.com/chrysalismama Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.   Support the show Connect with Mama Dragons: Website Instagram Facebook Donate to this podcast

    Unlearning Bias and Embracing Your Queer Child
  4. Jun 22

    An LGBTQ+ State of Emergency

    Send us Fan Mail At the end of May, the Seattle LGBTQ+ Commission sent a letter to their mayor asking the city to declare a civil state of emergency in response to the growing number of transgender people and their families fleeing states with escalating anti-trans laws. Families are leaving homes, schools, jobs, churches, and entire support systems behind because remaining where they are no longer feels safe. A study from the Movement Advancement Project and the University of Chicago found that at least 400,000 transgender and gender nonconforming people have moved to another state since November 2024 because of anti-LGBTQ laws or political conditions. For years, many parents of trans kids have been sounding the alarm — telling stories of banned healthcare, hostile school policies, criminalization, fear, isolation, and the exhausting reality of fighting for your child’s right to exist openly and safely. What once felt unthinkable is now shaping where families can live, where children can go to school, and whether parents feel they can protect their kids at all. Today In the Den we talk about what it means when LGBTQ+ people become refugees within their own country. What happens to families forced to relocate in search of safety? What responsibilities do affirming cities and states have to those arriving in crisis? And what does it mean for the rest of us witnessing this moment unfold in real time? Special Guest: Chris Curia Chris Curia is Co-Chair of the Seattle LGBTQ Commission, an advisory board that provides guidance and recommendations to City leaders on issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities. Additionally, Chris supervises Crisis Care Responder teams as part of Seattle’s Community Assisted Response & Engagement (CARE) Department, the City’s third branch of public safety that delivers alternative first response to 911 calls with a mental health nexus. Chris brings years of clinical training and experience as a licensed mental health counselor to these roles, along with a passion for exploring innovative opportunities to prioritize mental healthcare equity and community-centered care for all Seattleites. Special Guest: Jessa Davis Jessa Davis (she/her) is Co-Chair of the Seattle LGBTQ Commission and Chair of its Community Outreach & Social Media Committee. She also serves as Board Secretary for Queer Power Alliance (QPA), where she chairs the Advocacy Committee, and as Board Secretary for Whole Washington. In these roles, she helps align community-driven advocacy with broader structural change efforts including in her work as Executive Director of the Organization for Polyamory and Ethical Non-Monogamy (OPEN), which is a role she recently took on after founding and leading the Seattle Coalition for Family & Relationship Equity (SCFRE). Links from the Show: Seattle LGBTQ+ Commission Jessa’s IGJessa’s WebsiteStudy from Movement Advancement ProjectJoin Mama Dragons In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Support the show Connect with Mama Dragons: Website Instagram Facebook Donate to this podcast

    An LGBTQ+ State of Emergency
  5. Jun 15

    Raising Trans Kids: What to Expect When You Weren’t Expecting This

    Send us Fan Mail The moment your child says something that changes the story you thought you were living, time can seem to split in two. There’s the before — the assumptions, expectations, and dreams you carefully built — and then there’s the after, where love, fear, confusion, grief, joy, protectiveness, and possibility all arrive at once. For many parents of trans kids, that moment can feel overwhelming, not because they love their child any less, but because they suddenly realize they’re stepping into unfamiliar territory without a map. Today, we’re joined by Rebecca Minor, therapist, educator, coach, and author of the new book Raising Trans Kids: What to Expect When You Weren’t Expecting This. Sara and Rebecca talk about the emotional journey many parents experience when their child comes out as trans, the myths and misinformation families are navigating right now, and how parents can move from panic and uncertainty toward connection, confidence, and advocacy. Special Guest: Rebecca Minor Rebecca Minor, LICSW (she/they), is an internationally recognized gender specialist, therapist, educator, and author of the book Raising Trans Kids: What to Expect When You Weren’t Expecting This (Row House, Sept 2025). As a gender specialist, Rebecca partners with trans and gender nonconforming youth through their journey of becoming and serves as a guide to their parents in affirming it. With over 10,000 hours of experience working with trans and gender-expansive youth and their families, she’s helped parents move beyond fear and uncertainty to become confident, affirming advocates for their children. She is the founder of Prism Therapy Collective and serves as adjunct faculty at Boston University’s School of Social Work. Rebecca has been featured in The New York Times, Parents, The Bump, Health Magazine, Them, and The Trevor Project docuseries.  Links from the Show:  Rebecca’s websiteBuy Rebecca’s Book Raising Trans KidsRebecca’s Blog Join Mama Dragons today In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Support the show Connect with Mama Dragons: Website Instagram Facebook Donate to this podcast

    Raising Trans Kids: What to Expect When You Weren’t Expecting This
  6. Jun 8

    Cookie Puss: JD Hawley

    Send us Fan Mail In conjunction with our recent episode on Canyon County Pride, we’re resharing this past episode with drag queen Cookie Pusss. Drag queens are living proof that courage can come in sequins, heels, and unapologetic self-expression. They show us every day that bravery isn’t just about facing danger—it’s about showing up fully as yourself, even when the world might not be ready for it, and that sometimes courage looks like meeting hate with humor, compassion, and a touch of glitter. Today In the Den Sara sits down with the one and only Cookie Pusss, whose video of her powerful and surprisingly tender exchange with an anti-LGBTQ Christian protester outside the Canyon County Pride Festival went viral earlier this year. What could have been just another confrontation turned into a moment of connection, curiosity, and radical grace that captured the Internet’s attention.  Special Guest: JD Hawley JD Hawley, aka Cookie Pusss, is a performer and producer living in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is known for campy, irreverent drag and connecting with audiences on a more personal level. JD grew up in Arco, Idaho, and has been performing across the Pacific Northwest for over 5 years. His favorite topping of pizza is mushrooms.  Links From the Show:  Find Cookie Pusss on IG: https://www.instagram.com/cookie.pusss?igsh=N2hpN2VycDc3ZmY= Find Cookie Pusss on TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@cookiepussss?_r=1&_t=ZT-91ZKl9xCUJC Watch the viral Pride interaction here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKqMrrlyYIM/?igsh=MTlhdDF2OXR4YXRobg== Join Mama Dragons here: www.mamadragons.org  In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Support the show Connect with Mama Dragons: Website Instagram Facebook Donate to this podcast

    Cookie Puss:  JD Hawley
  7. May 25

    Canyon County Idaho: Small Town Pride Goes Big

    Send us Fan Mail There’s something wonderful happening in small towns all across America, Pride festivals are on the rise offering rural communities a safe and welcoming celebration for the LGBTQ+ folks among them. In places where people assume everyone thinks the same, where visibility can come with real risk, and where showing up authentically sometimes feels like an act of courage in itself—these small town, community centered festivals are forging important spaces for belonging and offering a hometown alternative for the more corporate centered Pride festivals in larger cities. This week In the Den, Sara is joined by the organizers behind Canyon County Pride in Southwest Idaho—a Pride celebration that has become both a joyful gathering place and a lightning rod for controversy in the city of Nampa. In a region often painted with broad political brushstrokes, they’ve helped create something deeply local, deeply brave, and deeply needed: a Pride event where LGBTQ+ people, families, allies, and especially young people can see that they are not alone. Special Guest: Tom (he/him) Tom is co-founder and owner of HomeFound Boise, Idaho’s #1 LGBTQ+ owned and operated real estate team. Tom is the President and co-founder of Canyon County Pride, which started as a result of his passion to elevate and celebrate diversity throughout Idaho. Tom is featured in the Washington Post, Inman News, and Realtor Magazine as a 30 Under 30 Class of 2024. Most recently, Tom is the recipient of the Drew Griffin Beacon of Light award for outstanding community involvement. Special Guest: Van (they/them) Van is a passionate community leader, event organizer, and advocate dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals in Canyon County. As a founder of CCP Van has played a vital role in bringing together thousands of people to celebrate diversity, foster connections, and uplift the local queer community. With a strong background in community building and a service oriented career, Van was able to cultivate relationships with local business partners and individuals as well as multiple marketing efforts that have helped Canyon County Pride grow into a thriving annual event. Their expertise ensures that each Pride celebration is impactful, engaging, and accessible to ALL. Beyond Pride, Van is committed to building long-term support networks for LGBTQ+ individuals and advocating for spaces where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered. Links from the Show: Video of Cookie Puss befriending a Pride protesterCanyon County Pride on FBCanyon County Pride on IGJoin Mama Dragons todayIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Support the show Connect with Mama Dragons: Website Instagram Facebook Donate to this podcast

    Canyon County Idaho: Small Town Pride Goes Big
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About

You're navigating parenting an LGBTQ+ child without a manual and knowing what to do and what to say isn't always easy. Each week we’ll visit with other parents of queer kids, talk with members of the LGBTQ+ community, learn from experts, and together explore ways to better parent our LGBTQ+ children. Join with us as we walk and talk with you through this journey of raising healthy, happy, and productive LGBTQ+ humans.

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