Episode 259

Parents of LGBTQ Teens, Have You Ever Prayed "Please Let This Go Away?"

Are you an overwhelmed mom of an LGBTQ+ teen who's feeling lost trying to navigate the coming out process, and wants to let go of shame and embarrassment, as well as build a deeper connection of trust within yourself and your teen? Click here to learn how to work with me 1-1.

Have you ever prayed, "God...please let this go away?"

For many parents of LGBTQ teens, faith has always been the place they turn when life feels uncertain. But when a child comes out, something shifts.

The prayer that once sounded like “Protect them” or “Guide them” quietly becomes something else:

Please fix this.

Please change this.

Please don’t let this be permanent.

In this episode, Heather explores the quiet spiritual tension many parents experience when a child comes out.

You’ll learn:

  • Why praying for your child’s identity to change can unintentionally create spiritual distance
  • How children interpret silence and hesitation around faith conversations
  • Why unresolved spiritual tension creates divided emotional safety in families
  • What happens when a child feels like they are competing with doctrine for a place in your heart

You are not defined by a prayer whispered in fear. But the relationship you build with your child from this moment forward will be shaped by how you choose to respond.

Press play to listen now.

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 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.

parents of LGBTQ teens

faith and LGBTQ parenting

Christian parents LGBTQ child

supporting LGBTQ teen

religion and LGBTQ families

LGBTQ parenting guidance

coming out conversations

parenting LGBTQ youth

allyship for parents

family relationships LGBTQ



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About the Podcast

Show artwork for More Human More Kind: Allyship Guidance for Parents of LGBTQ Teens
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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About your host

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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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