#180 | Guidance and Guts: The Ally’s Role in a World That’s Failing LGBTQ+ Youth

Are you watching headlines and wondering, “How is this even possible?” You’re not alone. What’s happening is no longer theoretical, it's personal.In this urgent and grounding episode, Heather takes us beyond the headlines into the real-world consequences of anti-LGBTQ+ laws, court rulings, and systemic rollbacks of civil rights. Humanity is being politicized. This moment isn’t just about policies, it’s about people, especially LGBTQ+ youth who are being stripped of protections, care, and safety. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, outraged, or uncertain about what to do next, this episode is your guide to clarity and action.Get the facts on how federal and state-level changes are impacting LGBTQ+ youth in real timeUnderstand the connection between religious exemptions, civil rights erosion, and systemic harmLearn 5 powerful ways you can take action to protect democracy, dignity, and LGBTQ+ lives starting nowPress play to move from overwhelmed to empowered, and discover how to speak up, show up, and stand firm in this critical moment for LGBTQ+ rights and human dignity.RESOURCE SPOTLIGHTOrganizations to follow or support:Movement Advancement Project – State-by-state policy trackerACLU LGBTQ+ Rights ProjectLambda Legal – Legal action for LGBTQ+ civil rightsTransgender Law CenterGLAADGround News or AllsidesVoices to follow for updates & analysis:Erin Reed (@ErinInTheMorn)Alejandra Caraballo (@Esqueer_)Letter from an American (Heather Cox Richardson)Pod Save America podcastThe Trevor Project for youth-focused dataHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from Heather's book, Parenting with Pride. Find out what kind of ally you are!Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] the Kind Space on PatreonLeave a message or voicemailBook a call! Watch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!At the heart of my work is a...

Ever heard someone say “LGBTQ isn’t for kids”? Whether in a school board meeting or family gathering, that phrase may sound protective, but it’s doing real harm.In this bold and heartfelt episode, Heather breaks down one of the most dangerous narratives affecting LGBTQ+ youth today. You’ll learn how the idea that queer identities are “inappropriate” or “too adult” for kids not only erases real children, it creates lasting harm. And you’ll get tools to replace shame with truth, silence with conversation, and fear with love.Understand the real impact of LGBTQ+ erasure on kids’ mental health and self-worthDiscover how inclusive language, books, and visibility create safer, kinder environmentsLearn how to challenge this narrative with courage, compassion, and concrete actionPress play to explore how you can protect LGBTQ+ youth - not by shielding them from identity, but by celebrating the truth of who they are.RESOURCE SPOTLIGHTBooks for younger audiences:Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall (gender identity)Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love (gender expression)It Feels Good to Be Yourself by Theresa Thorn (gender identity)And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson (two-dad family)Books for middle grades and YA audiences:Alan Cole is Not a Coward and Alan Cole Doesn’t Dance by Eric BellA High Five for Glenn Burke by Phil BildnerKing and the Dragonflies by Kacen CallenderThe Queen Bees of Tybee County by Kyle Casey ChuAmelia, If Only by Becky AlbertalliI Can’t Even Think Straight by Dean AttaOnly This Beautiful Moment by Abdi NazemianEducational orgs to follow:Welcoming Schools (by HRC) – welcomingschools.orgGLSEN – glsen.orgGender Spectrum – genderspectrum.orgHi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from Heather's book, Parenting with Pride. Find out what kind of ally you are!Share More Human. More Kind. Please <a href="https://apple.co/2WZizJY" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Are you afraid of “getting it wrong” when it comes to supporting your LGBTQ+ child or navigating today’s climate as an ally? You're not alone.In this tender and truth-telling episode, Heather explores the quiet fears that often go unspoken in LGBTQ+ families: the parent’s fear of the unknown, the child’s fear of rejection, and the shared fear of being misunderstood. But instead of pushing fear away, she shows us how to make space for it and how that space can become a bridge toward safety, courage, and connection.Learn how to recognize and name fear as a tool for deeper connection with your LGBTQ+ childDiscover simple, powerful tools like the VAST method and mirror conversations to strengthen trust and communicationFind clarity and calm through actionable steps like grounding together, journaling, and using fear as guidance instead of a blockHit play to explore how you can turn fear into fuel—and become the brave, compassionate ally your LGBTQ+ child needs most right now.Recommended resources this week:PFLAG (https://pflag.org) — for support groups and educational tools, especially helpful for parents navigating early fear or confusionTrevor Project 2024 National Survey — link — excellent data on LGBTQ+ youth mental health and what helps mostGender Spectrum’s Parenting Resources — link — great for framing safe conversations and addressing fear with understandingAnd of course, my book Parenting with Pride includes tools for navigating tough emotions—including fear—through the lens of love and allyship.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from Heather's book, Parenting with Pride. Find out what kind of ally you are!Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] the Kind Space on PatreonLeave a message or voicemailBook a call! Watch on YouTubeListen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and...

What do you do when your child starts exploring gender and the world is telling you to panic instead of listen?In this urgent and compassionate episode, Heather sits down with non-binary speaker and educator Rex Wilde to address the questions parents are asking most, especially in a time of rising fear, misinformation, and political attacks. With stories from their own journey, practical guidance, and data-backed truths, Rex brings clarity, courage, and warmth to one of the most misunderstood topics in today’s cultural conversation.Learn how to respond when your child begins expressing a different gender identity—or explores gender at allHear how allyship is evolving, and what true support looks like in today’s climateGain tools to navigate misinformation, avoid burnout, and build a resilient, affirming home and communityPress play to gain the grounded guidance, perspective, and hope you need to show up fully—as a parent, ally, and human.Connect with Rex:www.rexwilde.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rexewilde/Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from Heather's book, Parenting with Pride. Find out what kind of ally you are!Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] the Kind Space on PatreonLeave a message or voicemailBook a call! Watch on YouTubeListen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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 explores connection, courage, and community for every concerned parent, mom, or ally navigating fear, grief, and bigotry with hope, resilience, and empathy. Through open-minded education, inclusive parenting guidance, and advocacy for mental health and safety, we support LGBTQ youth and

What happens when crisis support is stripped away—but the danger remains? And what do we do with the heartbreak, anger, and fear that follow?In this timely episode, Heather unpacks the quiet, unannounced removal of the LGBTQ+ support option from the national 988 crisis line—and what that loss means for queer youth, for families, and for every ally committed to creating a safer, more just world. But this conversation goes beyond policy. It dives into the emotional tension we’re all holding right now: how to stay engaged and hopeful while feeling deeply saddened, disappointed, and even disgusted. How to keep showing up—especially when it hurts.Understand why the removal of LGBTQ+-specific support from 988 isn’t just an administrative change—it’s a threat to livesLearn how to hold grief and courage at the same time—and how that duality can fuel real, loving actionGet practical guidance on alternative crisis resources, how to advocate effectively, and how to be a refuge for LGBTQ+ youth when systems fall shortListen now to reclaim your voice, strengthen your courage, and learn how to hold both heartbreak and hope in the fight to protect LGBTQ+ lives.Links Mentioned:The Trevor Project Crisis Services – https://www.thetrevorproject.orgTrans Lifeline – https://translifeline.orgQ Chat Space – https://www.qchatspace.orgNational LGBTQ Task Force – https://www.thetaskforce.orgHuman Rights Campaign 988 Brief – [searchable on hrc.org]Call your congresspeople - over and over and over! Here's how it works:Call the number:&nbsp;Dial (202) 224-3121.Request an office:&nbsp;Tell the operator which member of Congress (Senator or Representative) you wish to reach.Connect to the office:&nbsp;The operator will connect you directly to the requested office.&nbsp;Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from Heather's book, Parenting with Pride. Find out what kind of ally you are!Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] the Kind Space on PatreonLeave a message or voicemailBook a call! Watch on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes...

Are you truly protecting your LGBTQ+ child - or just hoping love will be enough?In a world where safety for LGBTQ+ youth is under attack, many parents and allies feel overwhelmed, unsure how to provide real protection at home. This episode tackles the urgent need for emotional, psychological, and identity-based safety and offers a powerful framework to help families create affirming environments that truly protect.Learn 5 simple yet transformative ways to make your home safer and more affirming for LGBTQ+ youthGain the confidence and language to set loving but firm boundaries with extended family and friendsFind strength and solidarity through connection to a growing, affirming community of families and advocatesHit play to start building a home where your LGBTQ+ child feels safe, seen, and fiercely supported every single day.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from Heather's book, Parenting with Pride. Find out what kind of ally you are!Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] the Kind Space on PatreonLeave a message or voicemailBook a call! Watch on YouTubeListen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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 explores connection, courage, and community for every concerned parent, mom, or ally navigating fear, grief, and bigotry with hope, resilience, and empathy. Through open-minded education, inclusive parenting guidance, and advocacy for mental health and safety, we support LGBTQ youth and stand for human rights and social justice. More Human. More Kind. empowers listeners to shift their mindset, embrace activism and allyship, and lead with kindness, healing, and purpose.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Blubrry - https://create.blubrry.com/resources/about-blubrry/privacy-policy

Can kindness be disruptive—and even radical? What if being “nice” is quietly doing harm?In today’s episode of More Human. More Kind., we explore the transformative power of kindness—not the performative kind that avoids discomfort, but the kind rooted in courage, truth, and fierce allyship. As parents and allies of LGBTQ+ youth, it can feel safer to choose politeness or neutrality, but true allyship demands something deeper. You’ll learn why kindness isn’t about staying quiet or keeping peace—it’s about protecting what matters, sparking change, and showing up even when it’s uncomfortable.What You Will Learn:How to recognize when “niceness” is causing harm, especially in LGBTQ+ spaces and advocacy.The emotional weight and cost of courageous kindness—and why it’s still worth it.Real-life examples of kindness as activism and allyship in action, from schools to hospitals to social media.Press play to uncover how real kindness—backed by courage and guidance—can help you become the LGBTQ+ ally your child and community need right now.The Trevor Project – Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth.Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) – Organizing white people for racial and economic justice.RAICES – Supporting immigrants and asylum seekers with legal aid and advocacy.The Okra Project – Nourishing Black trans people through meals and support.GLSEN – Advocating for inclusive and safe schools for LGBTQ+ youth.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from Heather's book, Parenting with Pride. Find out what kind of ally you are!Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] the Kind Space on PatreonLeave a message or voicemailBook a call! Watch on YouTubeListen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the

What if one small question could completely change how you experience your life—starting today?Most of us have been conditioned to seek answers, direction, and validation outside ourselves. But what if the real breakthroughs come from within? In this powerful episode, Heather McGuire shares how she transformed anxiety, self-doubt, and burnout into peace, purpose, and connection—through tiny, intentional shifts in perspective.Discover the “magic wand” mindset questions that instantly create space and clarity.Learn how to rebuild your relationship with self-trust through practical, compassionate tools.Hear inspiring real-life stories of transformation from Heather’s clients and her own personal journey.Listen now to uncover how small shifts in your inner world can unlock real miracles in your outer life.Connect with Heather Maguire:https://www.instagram.com/unconventional_intuitive/https://www.facebook.com/UnconventionalIntuitive/The Miracles Club:&nbsp;https://unconventionalintuitive.myflodesk.com/miraclesclubWebsite:&nbsp;https://unconventionalintuitive.com/Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from Heather's book, Parenting with Pride. Find out what kind of ally you are!Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] the Kind Space on PatreonLeave a message or voicemailBook a call! Watch on YouTubeListen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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:...

What if being seen—truly seen—was both the most courageous and most healing thing you could do?In this episode, we dive into the layered journey of visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. Whether you're navigating your own experience or standing beside someone you love, you'll hear honest reflections on grief, pride, advocacy, and the transformative power of being fully present in who you are. This episode is for anyone who's ever felt both the fear and the freedom of being visible.Learn how to hold space for both grief and joy as your child—and you—grow into more authentic versions of yourselves.Discover how visibility, even in quiet or uncertain ways, becomes a powerful act of advocacy and love.Gain clarity on essential LGBTQ+ terms like sexual orientation and gender identity, and how they shape real human experiences.Hit play to explore the messy, beautiful truth about visibility—and why your voice, your presence, and your journey deeply matter.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from Heather's book, Parenting with Pride. Find out what kind of ally you are!Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] the Kind Space on PatreonLeave a message or voicemailBook a call! Watch on YouTubeListen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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 explores connection, courage, and community for every concerned parent, mom, or ally navigating fear, grief, and bigotry with hope, resilience, and empathy. Through open-minded education, inclusive parenting guidance, and advocacy for mental health and safety, we support LGBTQ youth and stand for human rights and social justice. More Human. More Kind. empowers listeners to shift their mindset, embrace activism and allyship, and lead with kindness, healing, and purpose.This podcast uses the following...

What if affirming your child isn’t the final step, but the first in a much deeper journey?In this heartfelt episode, we explore the often unseen difference between accepting your LGBTQ+ child and fully unlearning the beliefs that shaped your understanding of love, identity, and parenting. If you've ever wrestled with reconciling your values with the legacy of what you were taught, this conversation is a path to deeper clarity, connection, and authenticity.Understand the emotional and spiritual layers of unlearning inherited beliefs to parent with truth and courage.Discover practical, soul-nourishing tools to align with your values and show up fully for your child and yourself.Learn how everyday advocacy can transform fear into purpose and create a more just, inclusive world for all kids.Press play to hear a deeply personal story that will challenge, inspire, and empower you to parent from a place of alignment, liberation, and fierce love.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from Heather's book, Parenting with Pride. Find out what kind of ally you are!Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] the Kind Space on PatreonLeave a message or voicemailBook a call! Watch on YouTubeListen 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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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 explores connection, courage, and community for every concerned parent, mom, or ally navigating fear, grief, and bigotry with hope, resilience, and empathy. Through open-minded education, inclusive parenting guidance, and advocacy for mental health and safety, we support LGBTQ youth and stand for human rights and social justice. More Human. More Kind. empowers listeners to shift their mindset, embrace activism and allyship, and lead with kindness, healing, and purpose.This podcast uses the following third-party services for...