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PODCAST

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

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,

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

15:51

Parents, This Is Why Costumes Matter for LGBTQ+ Kids

More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for... ·

2025/10/14

What if your child’s costume choice is Halloween fun AND a first, powerful glimpse into their identity exploration?For parents, allies, and advocates raising LGBTQ+ or “othered” kids, Halloween can bring joy and also fear. Costumes are often treated as trivial, but for many queer children, dress-up is a rare, safe opportunity to try on who they truly are. In this episode, you’ll learn how to meet those moments with empathy, curiosity, and love.Understand how dress-up is central to identity

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18:04

#204 | Three (3) Generational Ghosts That Haunt...

More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for... ·

2025/10/10

What if the ghosts haunting your parenting aren’t spooky but silent? And what if your child’s future depends on whether you face them?For parents and allies of LGBTQ+ kids, cycles of silence, shame, and inherited fear can sneak into how we parent, often without us realizing it. These “ghosts” may have protected us once, but now they risk being passed down unless we pause to acknowledge and unlearn them. This episode offers the guidance you need to parent more consciously, with empathy, safety, and

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24:05

#203 | What Monsters Can Teach Us About Empathy,...

More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for... ·

2025/10/07

What if the monsters you feared growing up were never the real threat but a reflection of the parts of yourself society told you to hide?For LGBTQ+ youth, and the parents, moms, and advocates walking alongside them, labels like “weird,” “freak,” and “monster” aren’t just childhood fears, they’re often used to dehumanize. In this episode, we explore how queer communities have reclaimed “monstrosity” as a symbol of resilience, and how parents can use that same insight to guide their kids with empathy,

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19:36

#202 | Why “Different” Doesn’t Mean Broken - And How...

More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for... ·

2025/10/03

What if your child’s “difference” isn’t a problem to fix, but a story we’ve been taught to fear?In this raw and compassionate episode, Heather Hester opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of parenting LGBTQ+ kids - really any kid that we have labeled as "different" and how to shift from grief and fear to love and clarity. Whether you’re facing the first waves of realization or years into the journey, this episode invites you to let go of outdated scripts and fully see your child as they

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23:56

#201 | Should You Protect Your Kids From Pain—Or...

More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for... ·

2025/09/30

Should you shield your child from pain or teach them how to carry it?In this honest and heart-opening episode, Heather Hester explores one of the most misunderstood parts of parenting: how to share hard truths without overwhelming your child. From navigating her own cancer diagnosis to supporting a child through crisis, Heather reveals what it really means to protect and prepare our kids for life’s hardest moments.Learn how to share difficult news in age-appropriate ways that build trust and

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27:51

#200 | Why Free Speech is Personal for Parents and...

More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for... ·

2025/09/26

Is free speech really free anymore, or are we watching the First Amendment unravel in real time?Whether you're raising LGBTQ+ kids, working to become a more informed ally, or just trying to make sense of the noise, this episode breaks down the five essential freedoms that shape our democracy and why they’re all in danger right now. From the weaponization of media to the rise of disinformation, understanding the First Amendment is no longer optional.Learn what free speech actually protects and where

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19:56

#199 | Three (3) Reasons LGBTQ+ Kids Wait Until...

More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for... ·

2025/09/23

Why do so many LGBTQ+ kids wait until college to come out, and what does that mean for the families they leave behind?In this insightful and compassionate episode, Heather Hester explores why college becomes a powerful turning point for many LGBTQ+ young people and what parents and allies need to understand. From the need for distance and safety to the importance of chosen community, you'll learn how to support your child without making it about you (no judgement or shame on you, we

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15:10

#198 | The Parenting Shift That Builds Trust With...

More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for... ·

2025/09/19

Do you ever feel like the harder you try to guide your LGBTQ+ child, the more they pull away?You’re not alone. In this deeply personal episode, Heather Hester explores the emotional weight of control, how it shows up in families, and why learning to lead with influence, not force, can transform your relationship with your child. Whether you’re parenting a queer or trans teen or simply navigating a tense family dynamic, this episode offers a compassionate reframe grounded in real-life stories and

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14:31

#197 | Holding Hard Truths in the Wake of Charlie...

More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for... ·

2025/09/16

How do we hold space for grief, truth, and humanity when someone who had polarizing views is taken by violence?In moments like these, where headlines are loud and emotions run high, many of us are struggling with what it means to respond in a way that’s honest, compassionate, and grounded. Whether you're a parent, a leader, or simply a human trying to make sense of a complicated world, this episode offers a place to pause, reflect, and choose kindness without erasing truth.Understand why grief can

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18:58

#196 | Why Gen Z Is Turning to AI for Mental...

More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for... ·

2025/09/12

Is your teen turning to an AI chatbot when they’re in crisis? Would you even know if they were?In this eye-opening episode, Heather Hester explores the booming use of AI mental health apps like Woebot and Replika, especially among Gen Z and LGBTQ+ youth. Why are young people choosing bots over therapists or parents? What do these tools offer and what are they missing? This conversation pulls back the curtain on a growing mental health trend and offers actionable guidance for parents, educators, and

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21:46

#195 | Why Small Acts of Kindness Have a Big Mental...

More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for... ·

2025/09/09

What if one small act of kindness could keep someone - especially an LGBTQ+ youth - from giving up?In this heartfelt solo episode, Heather Hester unpacks why kindness isn’t just “nice” or “extra.” It’s a radical, science-backed tool that supports mental health, creates safety, and reminds others they matter. From neuroscience to real-life examples, Heather explores how connection, empathy, and action can become life-saving practices, especially for those feeling unseen, alone, or on the edge.Learn

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23:46

#194 | Stop Blaming Identity: What Actually Causes...

More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for... ·

2025/09/05

Have you ever heard someone say LGBTQ+ kids struggle with mental health because of who they are?In this urgent episode, Heather Hester dismantles one of the most dangerous myths surrounding LGBTQ+ youth: that their mental health struggles are inherent. With clarity and compassion, she explores the real causes like rejection, stigma, and lack of affirming care, and shares what parents, allies, and advocates can do to protect the lives and dignity of LGBTQ+ youth today.Learn why identity isn’t the

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26:47

#193 | What If One Conversation Could Save a Life?...

More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for... ·

2025/09/02

What if the most life-saving thing you do this week isn’t a therapy appointment or medication, but a single, courageous conversation?For LGBTQ+ youth, suicide risk remains heartbreakingly high — not because of who they are, but because of the rejection, fear, and silence they too often face. In this vital episode, Heather Hester cuts through the discomfort to teach parents and allies how to break that silence with compassion, clarity, and life-affirming guidance.Learn the real reasons behind the

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15:46

#192 | Why Setting Boundaries With Non-Affirming...

More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for... ·

2025/08/29

Are you heading to a holiday weekend gathering with your LGBTQ child where not everyone is affirming and you're wondering how to protect their well-being without creating more tension?For many families, gatherings (family or otherwise) bring complicated emotions. When your child is LGBTQ+ and not everyone in the room is supportive, the stakes get higher. In this episode, Heather offers heartfelt, practical guidance to help you lead with courage, protect your peace, and prioritize what matters most:

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36:21

#191 | Why “Tolerated” Isn’t Enough: How to Parent...

More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for... ·

2025/08/26

Do you think you're doing the right thing for your LGBTQ+ child, but still feel like you're fumbling through it alone?In this deeply honest and empowering episode, Heather Hester is joined by author Anna MacArthur to explore what happens when your child comes out before you’re ready and how to grow into the fierce, loving, and informed parent they need. Together, they unpack the emotional rollercoaster of learning, unlearning, and becoming an LGBTQ+ ally in real time.Hear the real story behind

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13:31

#190 | Raising Kinder Kids: What LGBTQ-Inclusive...

More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for... ·

2025/08/22

Is your school community confusing “nice” with “kind” and leaving LGBTQ+ students unsupported in the process?As a new school year begins, many of us want to build more inclusive classrooms and communities, but surface-level politeness won’t get us there. This episode challenges parents, educators, and allies to embrace kindness as a courageous, everyday act that builds true safety and connection.Learn the key difference between being “nice” and practicing real kindness in school settingsGet

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14:32

#189 | From Packing to Pronouns: What Real Allyship...

More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for... ·

2025/08/19

Is your LGBTQ teen heading to college and you’re wondering how to support them without smothering their independence?The transition to college is a huge milestone. For LGBTQ+ students, it can bring both liberation and new layers of fear, risk, and identity exploration. This episode offers the tools and guidance parents and allies need to empower their teen while staying emotionally connected.Help your LGBTQ+ teen prepare for affirming housing, healthcare, and mental health resourcesLearn how to

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15:04

#188 | Five (5) Ways to Support LGBTQ Teens During...

More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for... ·

2025/08/15

Is your LGBTQ teen heading back to high school, but quietly bracing for judgment, isolation, or burnout?For LGBTQ+ teens, high school is often a complex dance between self-expression and self-protection. This episode explores how parents and allies can become the steady, empowering force teens need during this crucial time without trying to control their journey.Discover practical ways to support your teen emotionally at home and at schoolLearn how to communicate with teachers and advocate for

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16:16

#187 | Back-to-School as an Ally: Simple Steps to...

More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for... ·

2025/08/12

Is your LGBTQ child heading back to school feeling supported or silently dreading the year ahead?While a new school year can be exciting, for many LGBTQ+ kids it also brings fear of being misgendered, misunderstood, or left out. In this episode, Heather shares actionable guidance for parents, caregivers, and allies who want to make the back-to-school transition safer, more affirming, and rooted in compassion.Learn age-appropriate strategies to support LGBTQ+ kids in both elementary and middle

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19:04

#186 | Why “Just Relax, It’s Vacation” Doesn’t Work...

More Human More Kind: Supportive Ally Tips for... ·

2025/08/08

Is your LGBTQ child carrying invisible emotional baggage every time you travel?For many LGBTQ+ youth, what should be a fun vacation can trigger stress, dysphoria, and emotional shutdown. This episode explores how parents and allies can spot the signs, ease the mental load, and create more affirming travel experiences.Learn how to identify hidden mental health struggles in LGBTQ+ kids while travelingDiscover grounding tools and affirming travel routines that build connection and safetyExplore simple

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246 results

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