#191 | Why “Tolerated” Isn’t Enough: How to Parent for True LGBTQ+ Affirmation

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

Do you think you're doing the right thing for your LGBTQ+ child, but still feel like you're fumbling through it alone?

In this deeply honest and empowering episode, Heather Hester is joined by author Anna MacArthur to explore what happens when your child comes out before you’re ready and how to grow into the fierce, loving, and informed parent they need. Together, they unpack the emotional rollercoaster of learning, unlearning, and becoming an LGBTQ+ ally in real time.

• Hear the real story behind Anna’s unexpected journey from confusion to courage after her son’s coming out
• Learn how to handle grief, guilt, and vulnerability without letting fear take the lead
• Discover what LGBTQ+ youth actually need from their parents and how to be that person, even when you don’t have all the answers

Press play to feel seen, supported, and inspired as a parent, and walk away with new clarity, compassion, and courage on your LGBTQ+ parenting journey.

Anna's book: Hope for Moms

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

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Listen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

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 space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, love, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, connection, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community while addressing grief, boundaries, education, diversity, human rights, social justice, and the power of human kindness through a lens of ally support and community engagement.

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