#165 | How to Be an Evolving Ally: Real-World Guidance for LGBTQ-Affirming Parents

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

Have you ever worried that you're not doing enough - or doing it all wrong - as the parent of an LGBTQ+ child?

In this honest and empowering conversation, Heather Hester is joined by Ash Beckham to break down what it really means to evolve as a parent and an ally. Together, they unpack the myths of perfection, the paralyzing weight of guilt, and the liberating power of curiosity, compassion, and healthy boundaries.

• Learn how to unlearn ingrained biases without getting stuck in shame or self-judgment
• Discover what true allyship looks like in parenting, especially when you don't get it “right”
• Get clear, real-world tools for navigating tough conversations with non-affirming family members

Press play now to gain permission to grow, mess up, and keep showing up with fierce love for your LGBTQ+ child - because evolving is the most powerful kind of parenting.

Guest Spotlight:

Ash Beckham is an advocate, speaker, and author of Step Up: How to Live with Courage and Create Connection in Every Conversation. Her TEDx talk, Coming Out of Your Closet, has inspired millions with its blend of humor and profound truth. Connect with Ash at ashbeckham.com and follow her on Instagram @ashbeckham.

Resources & Links:

• Ash’s TEDx Talk: Coming Out of Your Closet
• Ash’s book: Step Up: How to Live with Courage and Create Connection in Every Conversation
• Resource - Mastering Everyday Leadership

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.

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