#180 | Guidance and Guts: The Ally’s Role in a World That’s Failing LGBTQ+ Youth

More Human More Kind: Guidance for Parenting LGBTQ+ Teens & Growing Into a Courageous Ally

Are you watching headlines and wondering, “How is this even possible?” You’re not alone. What’s happening is no longer theoretical, it's personal.

In this urgent and grounding episode, Heather takes us beyond the headlines into the real-world consequences of anti-LGBTQ+ laws, court rulings, and systemic rollbacks of civil rights. Humanity is being politicized. This moment isn’t just about policies, it’s about people, especially LGBTQ+ youth who are being stripped of protections, care, and safety. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, outraged, or uncertain about what to do next, this episode is your guide to clarity and action.

• Get the facts on how federal and state-level changes are impacting LGBTQ+ youth in real time
• Understand the connection between religious exemptions, civil rights erosion, and systemic harm
• Learn 5 powerful ways you can take action to protect democracy, dignity, and LGBTQ+ lives starting now

Press play to move from overwhelmed to empowered, and discover how to speak up, show up, and stand firm in this critical moment for LGBTQ+ rights and human dignity.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Organizations to follow or support:

• Movement Advancement Project – State-by-state policy tracker
• ACLU LGBTQ+ Rights Project
• Lambda Legal – Legal action for LGBTQ+ civil rights
• Transgender Law Center
• GLAAD
• Ground News or Allsides

Voices to follow for updates & analysis:

• Erin Reed (@ErinInTheMorn)
• Alejandra Caraballo (@Esqueer_)
• Letter from an American (Heather Cox Richardson)
• Pod Save America podcast
• The Trevor Project for youth-focused data

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 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, safety, and a human first approach, 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.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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