Episode 170

#170 | 5 Ways Parents and Allies Fail LGBTQ Kids Without Realizing It—And How to Change That

Pride Month Series | More Human. More Kind. with Heather Hester

What if the words you say in a single moment could shape your child’s inner voice for a lifetime?

Whether you're a parent, ally, or someone striving to lead with compassion in a polarized world, understanding how language—spoken and unspoken—impacts our LGBTQ+ loved ones is crucial. This episode explores how your reactions, tone, and body language can either nurture connection or deepen divides.

In this episode you will:

  • Discover how to transform missteps into deeper trust and healing with your child.
  • Learn the powerful role of tone, body language, and energy in affirming identity and creating safety.
  • Get clear, compassionate answers to the complex question: Is it okay to use the word “queer”?

Press play now to learn how you can use language as a bridge—not a barrier—in your journey toward more human, more kind parenting.

Celebrate Pride with Us in The Kind Space!

This month, you’re invited to join The Kind Space - a private community where compassion meets action, and where allyship becomes practice.

Pride Month Perks for New Members:

✨ 50% off your first month of membership

📘 A signed copy of Parenting with Pride - Heather’s heart-centered guide to unlearning bias, embracing your LGBTQ+ child, and leading with love

Inside The Kind Space, you'll receive:

🌀 Private podcast episodes

🌿 Bonus reflections and guided practices

💬 Monthly live Q&A calls

💛 A community of brave, kind humans walking this path with you

👉 Join The Kind Space now

You don’t have to do this alone.

This show 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.

Connect with Heather:

Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from Heather's book, Parenting with Pride.

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About the Podcast

Show artwork for More Human More Kind: Parenting and Ally Skills to Advocate for Your LGBTQ+ Teen with Love and Confidence
More Human More Kind: Parenting and Ally Skills to Advocate for Your LGBTQ+ Teen with Love and Confidence
Parenting and Ally Skills to Advocate for Your LGBTQ+ Teen with Love and Confidence

About your host

Profile picture for Heather Hester

Heather Hester

She’s a butterfly in motion—transforming spaces, stories, and hearts. Heather Hester is a rare blend of fierce advocate and gentle guide, using her voice to build bridges across divides. As the host of *More Human. More Kind.*, author of *Parenting with Pride*, and founder of Chrysalis Mama, Heather doesn’t just speak about love, allyship, and authenticity—she *embodies* them.

Her superpower? Turning complex, messy truths into clear, compassionate conversations that leave you feeling empowered, curious, and just a little more human. From Substack to podcast, workshop to stage, she creates spaces where healing is possible, voices are heard, and no one stands alone.

Whether she’s amplifying marginalized stories, coaching parents through life’s pivots, or unpacking the First Amendment with a side of soul, Heather leads with purpose and heart. She’s not here for surface-level support—she’s here to change how we show up for each other.

Married to the funniest guy she’s ever known and mom to four extraordinary kids (two of whom are LGBTQ) and one sassy mini Bernedoodle, Heather is all about showing up with humor, humility, and heart. You can almost always find her with a cup of coffee in hand—at her computer, on her yoga mat, or dancing in the kitchen to her favorite playlist. She believes in being fully human, embracing the messiness, and helping others do the same.

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Want MORE human-ness, real-ness, kindness...more truth, more love, more thoughts on parenting and just showing up in the world as your best self? Your donation goes directly to help make all of that happen! And, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I do all of this for you AND I couldn't do it without you!
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