Episode 30

#30 | How To Be the Ally Your LGBTQ Friends Actually Need

In this episode, Heather shares seven tips for being a good ally and why being a good ally to your Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer loved one is so important.

1. Be a good listener

2. Don't be afraid to ask questions, but do your own research

3. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable

4. Speak up

5. Support equality

6. Learn the language

7. Offer financial support if you are able

Resources mentioned in the episode:

GLSEN - www.glsen.org

The Trevor Project - www.thetrevorproject.org

SAGE - www.sage.org

How to be an LGBTQ Ally - Next Avenue

LGBTQ Ally Tips - UCDavis LGBTQIA Resource Center

Ways to be an LGBTQ Ally and Supporter - Oprah Magazine

Being an Ally - Youth for Change

What a Good LGBTQ Ally Looks Like - Vox

Terminology glossaries - Human Rights Campaign, Lambda Legal, The Trevor Project, PLFAG

The Genderbread Person

Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!

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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 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 is a safe and supportive podcast and space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community—including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals—while addressing grief, boundaries, education, diversity, human rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, social justice, and the power of human kindness through a lens of ally support and community engagement.



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About the Podcast

Show artwork for More Human More Kind: Practical Guidance for Allyship and Parenting LGBTQ Teens
More Human More Kind: Practical Guidance for Allyship and Parenting LGBTQ Teens
Parenting and Ally Skills to Advocate for Your LGBTQ+ Teen with Love, Confidence, and Deep Understanding

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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.