Episode 49

#49 | Why Understanding LGBTQ History Is Essential for Parents & Allies (Mental Health & Resilience Edition)

October is LGBTQ History Month. This interview not only honors history, but also teaches little-known facts and pieces of the time before Stonewall. In this episode, Heather interviews author, broadcaster, and gay rights activist Robert C. Steele about his book - Banned From California: Jim Foshee - Persecution, Redemption, Liberation...and the Gay Civil Rights Movement.

Jim Foshee's story is as colorful as is it heartbreaking, and a powerful reminder of the importance of never forgetting the past. We see 70 years of LGBTQ history through the eyes of this gay activist. Instead of a dry, academic approach, Robert's reporting and telling of this story are captivating and allows us to experience LGBTQ history from a first-person perspective.

Learn:

* What the early gay liberation movement was like and how it paved the way for today's LGBTQ+ movement.

* Interesting facts about the first gay publication in 1954 and the use of code words.

* The levels of bigotry and homophobia gay Americans faced in the 1950s and 1960s and the typical consequences of coming out at that time.

Read a recent Publisher's Weekly review of Banned from California on Heather's website.

**We had some technical difficulties during this interview, so please be aware that the sound quality is not the usual.**

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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, compassionate connection.

For parents, allies, and those 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 is a safe and supportive podcast in a heartfelt and empowering space where a mom and advocate offers practical guidance and education to parents and allies, fostering empathy, kindness, love, and strong boundaries while supporting LGBTQ teens and the diverse LGBTQ community—including gay, lesiban, 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.



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More Human More Kind: Allyship Guidance for Parents of LGBTQ Teens
Parenting and Allyship Skills to Advocate for Your LGBTQ Teen with Love, Confidence, and Deep Understanding

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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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