More Human. More Kind. | Parenting LGBTQ Kids, Unlearning Fear, Becoming More Human

Latest Episodes:

Parenting a Gay Son When You Thought You Were Prepared: An Honest Conversation With Author Anna McArthur Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

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!

Immerse yourself in Community - I Love My Gay Kid

Stay informed - visit my website

Join the Conversation on Substack

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Support the Show - Learn more here!

Watch on YouTube

Listen * Share * Review *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 connection.

For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me.

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 the wisdom of lived experience and practical guidance and education to parents and allies, teaching empathy, kindness, love, and strong boundaries while supporting LGBTQ teens and the diverse LGBTQ community, including gay, lesbian, 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.

The Difference Between Nice and Kind in Schools and Why It Matters for Your LGBTQ Child's Safety Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

Is your school community confusing “nice” with “kind” and leaving LGBTQ students unsupported in the process?

As a new school year begins, many of us want to build more inclusive classrooms and communities, but surface-level politeness won’t get us there. This episode challenges parents, educators, and allies to embrace kindness as a courageous, everyday act that builds true safety and connection.

Learn the key difference between being “nice” and practicing real kindness in school settings
Get ready-to-use scripts for handling misgendering, exclusion, and passive comments with compassion and clarity
Discover simple ways to raise children who lead with empathy and protect their peers with quiet courage

Press play to learn how kindness can become a bold tool for change—and how you can model and teach it this school year.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Resource: Welcoming Schools – Back-to-School Kindness Resources

Why it matters: This toolkit includes class posters, conversation starters, book lists, and sample lessons to help schools and families build inclusive environments from day one.

Other resources to explore:

Teaching Tolerance (Learning for Justice) – Culturally responsive lesson plans and conversation starters
Kindness.org – Research-backed kindness practices for schools and communities
StoryCorps’ “Listen Closely” LGBTQ Archive – Stories that inspire empathy, connection, and action

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

Immerse yourself in Community - I Love My Gay Kid

Stay informed - visit my website

Join the Conversation on Substack

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Support the Show - Learn more here!

Watch on YouTube

Listen * Share * Review *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 on this journey with me.

How to Help Your LGBTQ Teen Thrive in College: What Parents Need to Know About Housing, Healthcare, and Letting Go Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

Is your LGBTQ teen heading to college and you’re wondering how to support them without smothering their independence?

The transition to college is a huge milestone. For LGBTQ students, it can bring both liberation and new layers of fear, risk, and identity exploration. This episode offers the tools and guidance parents and allies need to empower their teen while staying emotionally connected.

Help your LGBTQ+ teen prepare for affirming housing, healthcare, and mental health resources
Learn how to support their safety and autonomy with practical strategies
Discover how to stay lovingly connected without hovering and build trust in a new phase of parenting

Press play to learn how courage, communication, and allyship can transform your LGBTQ teen’s college experience for both of you.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Resource: Campus Pride Index

Why it matters: A searchable database of U.S. colleges rated on their LGBTQ+ friendliness, including housing, policies, and student life. Perfect for researching before and after enrollment.

Other helpful resources:

OutCare Health – LGBTQ-affirming health providers nationwide
Trevor Project’s Coming Out Guide for College
Trans Lifeline – Especially helpful for students navigating gender identity support
The Jed Foundation – Mental health resources tailored for college students

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

Immerse yourself in Community - I Love My Gay Kid

Stay informed - visit my website

Join the Conversation on Substack

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Support the Show - Learn more here!

Watch on YouTube

Listen * Share * Review *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 on this journey with me.

How to Support Your LGBTQ Teen in High School: What Parents Need to Know Before the School Year Starts Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

Is your LGBTQ teen heading back to high school, but quietly bracing for judgment, isolation, or burnout?

For LGBTQ+ teens, high school is often a complex dance between self-expression and self-protection. This episode explores how parents and allies can become the steady, empowering force teens need during this crucial time without trying to control their journey.

Discover practical ways to support your teen emotionally at home and at school
Learn how to communicate with teachers and advocate for safer, more inclusive environments
Help your teen access affirming community, resources, and mental health tools on their terms

Press play to learn how your support, presence, and courage can make this school year safer, kinder, and more empowering for your LGBTQ teen.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Resource: Q Chat Space

Why it matters: A live-chat-based support platform where LGBTQ+ teens can join professionally facilitated, identity-affirming online groups - no video, no pressure, just connection.

More resources:

TrevorSpace – Global community for LGBTQ+ youth aged 13–24
It Gets Better Project – Stories, inspiration, and resources
GLSEN’s GSA Resources – Tools to start or grow a school-based LGBTQ+ student alliance
The Gender Cool Project – Positive stories about trans and nonbinary youth

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

Immerse yourself in Community - I Love My Gay Kid

Stay informed - visit my website

Join the Conversation on Substack

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Support the Show - Learn more here!

Watch on YouTube

Listen * Share * Review *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 on this journey with me.

What LGBTQ Kids Face in Elementary and Middle School and How Parents Can Help Them Feel Safe and Seen Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

Is your LGBTQ child heading back to school feeling supported or silently dreading the year ahead?

While a new school year can be exciting, for many LGBTQ+ kids it also brings fear of being misgendered, misunderstood, or left out. In this episode, Heather shares actionable guidance for parents, caregivers, and allies who want to make the back-to-school transition safer, more affirming, and rooted in compassion.

Learn age-appropriate strategies to support LGBTQ+ kids in both elementary and middle school
Use powerful scripts to communicate with teachers and advocate for inclusive practices
Equip your child with emotional tools, confidence-building rituals, and social safety plans

Hit play to find the guidance and courage you need to help your LGBTQ child feel seen, supported, and ready to thrive this school year.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Resource: Gender Spectrum – Back-to-School Resources

Why it matters: These free resources include conversation starters, tips for building support teams, and guides for both parents and educators.

Other supports:

HRC Welcoming Schools – tools for inclusive classrooms
GLSEN Educator Guides – lesson plans, safe space posters, and school policy templates
PFLAG’s Guide for Elementary Educators – great for starting gentle conversations

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

Immerse yourself in Community - I Love My Gay Kid

Stay informed - visit my website

Join the Conversation on Substack

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Support the Show - Learn more here!

Watch on YouTube

Listen * Share * Review *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 on this journey with me.

The Invisible Baggage Your LGBTQ Child Carries While Traveling and How Parents Can Help Lighten It Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

Is your LGBTQ child carrying invisible emotional baggage every time you travel?

For many LGBTQ+ youth, what should be a fun vacation can trigger stress, dysphoria, and emotional shutdown. This episode explores how parents and allies can spot the signs, ease the mental load, and create more affirming travel experiences.

Learn how to identify hidden mental health struggles in LGBTQ+ kids while traveling
Discover grounding tools and affirming travel routines that build connection and safety
Explore simple but powerful acts of allyship and kindness that transform travel into healing

Press play to learn how to travel with courage, connection, and compassionate allyship for your LGBTQ+ child and yourself.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Resource: The Trevor Project: Self-Care Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth

Why it matters: These are excellent tools to share with your child before a trip. They are practical ways to center and care for themselves when feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

Other resources:

Gender Spectrum’s Travel Tips for affirming travel conversations
Safe Space Alliance – map of LGBTQ+ safe spaces around the world
Trans Lifeline – Peer support and crisis line (also available in the U.S. and Canada)

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

Immerse yourself in Community - I Love My Gay Kid

Stay informed - visit my website

Join the Conversation on Substack

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Support the Show - Learn more here!

Watch on YouTube

Listen * Share * Review *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 on this journey with me.

LGBTQ Travel Tips: How to Keep Family Vacations Safe & Affirming Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

Would your next family vacation make your LGBTQ+ child feel affirmed or anxious?

Whether you're planning a road trip or flying internationally, traveling with an LGBTQ+ child brings unique emotional and safety needs. This episode explores how to turn travel into a safe, empowering experience for your entire family.

Learn what to pack so your LGBTQ+ child feels seen, grounded, and supported
Get expert tips on researching inclusive destinations, events, and accommodations
Discover tools and apps that help ensure emotional safety and legal awareness while abroad

Press play to feel confident and prepared when traveling with your LGBTQ+ teen—wherever your next adventure takes you.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Website: International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA)

Why it matters: IGLTA provides free resources, LGBTQ+ inclusive guides, safety information, and vetted travel partners for queer travelers and their families.

Other tools:

GeoSure App (iOS & Android) – Real-time LGBTQ safety ratings
Equaldex – Country-specific legal and social climate for LGBTQ+ people
Trans Travel Checklist by National Center for Transgender Equality: transequality.org

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

Immerse yourself in Community - I Love My Gay Kid

Stay informed - visit my website

Join the Conversation on Substack

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Support the Show - Learn more here!

Watch on YouTube

Listen * Share * Review *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 on this journey with me.

You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone: Dr. Heather Littleton on a New Program for LGBTQ Teens and Their Parents Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

Are you raising or supporting an LGBTQ+ teen and wondering how to truly show up for them, especially in today’s climate?

In this episode, psychologist and researcher Dr. Heather Littleton joins host Heather Hester to share how the Healthy Families Bright Futures program is equipping LGBTQ+ teens and their caregivers with real-world tools for connection, communication, and confidence. Whether you’re new to this journey or further along, this conversation offers hope, guidance, and practical support. AND, this is a paid study looking for participants!

Discover how this unique 7-week online program empowers LGBTQ+ teens and their families with safety, agency, and community
Learn the most effective strategies for talking about dating, identity, boundaries, and online safety with your teen
Understand how to model allyship, build resilience, and stay emotionally connected, even when things get complicated

Press play to hear how families are transforming through support, courage, and shared learning and find out how to get involved in this groundbreaking program.

Healthy Families Bright Futures Program

Dr. Heather Littleton's website

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

Immerse yourself in Community - I Love My Gay Kid

Stay informed - visit my website

Join the Conversation on Substack

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Support the Show - Learn more here!

Watch on YouTube

Listen * Share * Review *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 on this journey with me.

Protecting LGBTQ Youth Starts with Mental Health Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

What if the most important way to protect LGBTQ+ youth isn’t legislation or policies, but how we care for their mental health?

In the final episode of July’s “Safety” series, Heather Hester gets to the emotional core of LGBTQ+ protection: supporting what’s happening inside our kids. Backed by powerful data and grounded in lived experience, this conversation unpacks what mental health safety really means, and why your presence, listening, and affirmation matter more than ever.

Understand the life-saving impact of being one accepting adult in an LGBTQ+ young person’s life
Learn how to create emotional rituals of safety and resilience at home, from check-ins to therapy
Discover how modeling emotional honesty and curiosity (not correction) creates lasting trust and well-being

Press play to learn how you can become your LGBTQ+ child’s safety net from the inside out with tools, presence, and powerful compassion.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Mental health support:

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

Immerse yourself in Community - I Love My Gay Kid

Stay informed - visit my website

Join the Conversation on Substack

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Support the Show - Learn more here!

Watch on YouTube

Listen * Share * Review *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 on this journey with me.

Five Ways to Advocate for Your LGBTQ Child's Safety at School When the System Isn't Protecting Them Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

Is your child’s school truly safe for all students? For LGBTQ youth, safety can’t be assumed; it must be advocated for.

In this powerful and practical episode, Heather breaks down what school safety really looks like for LGBTQ+ students, and what happens when it's missing. From book bans to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation to silenced teachers, the current climate is putting queer students at risk. But it’s not hopeless. Parents, educators, and allies can make a difference with presence, persistence, and a clear plan of action.

Learn what questions to ask your child’s school to assess LGBTQ+ safety
Discover how to prepare for meetings with school administrators and boards
Explore ways to model courageous advocacy that kids can watch and follow

Press play to gain the tools, scripts, and mindset you need to advocate for inclusive, affirming school environments where every LGBTQ+ child feels protected, seen, and celebrated.