Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen

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Latest Episodes:

The Shadows We Carry: Michael's Insights on Overcoming Shame Nov 09, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever felt lost in your own skin, or like a puzzle piece that doesn't fit? Feel the weight lift as you join us in a poignant conversation with Michael Mammina, a master life coach who has navigated his way through these feelings and has emerged as a beacon of inspiration. In this episode, he candidly shares his personal journey of coming to terms with his sexuality, encountering severe bullying, and grappling with the feeling of being an outsider. Despite his outward success, Michael felt an internal void until he discovered the concept of the 'shadow' and its profound impact on our lives.

Our discussion is not merely a narration of Michael's journey but resonates with every individual who has felt different, out-of-place, or trapped by their own fears. We delve deep into the impact of shame on the LGBTQ community, the stages of coming out, with a special focus on the 'avoidance stage' and 'overcompensation stage'. At the heart of our conversation is the importance of self-love in leading an authentic life and the influential role of support in weathering life's storms.

Throughout our exploration, Michael imparts practical advice and tools for self-acceptance, personal growth, and creating safe spaces for those coming out. This episode will serve as a gentle reminder that it's never too late and there's never a wrong time to seek help, learn to love ourselves, and live our best lives. So, buckle up for an inspiring journey into self-discovery, acceptance, and transformation, and remember to soak up each moment, seek support, and just breathe.

Resources Mentioned

The Dark Side of the Light Chasers By Debbie Ford

The Velvet Rage by Alan Downs PhD

About our Guest:

Michael Mammina is a Master Life Coach with multiple certifications and global professional experience, whose passion is to create the space for successful people to increase their self-worth and net worth while achieving their desires. Self-worth is a dynamic of emotional and mental health that is often sadly neglected. Unless you truly value yourself, you won't have the motivation to exercise, get enough sleep, eat healthfully, and care for yourself. Michael helps people uncover and own their inherent self-worth while holding them accountable to take action, and co-creates the safety to reach inside and see what is holding them back from their dreams.

Discover that you are truly perfect, whole, and able - exactly as you are with no limits.

https://michaelmammina.com/

Get your Free eBook to help listeners learn 5 simple steps to get them toward the life they desire. Methods to break through the obstacales that are holding them back at https://michaelmammina.com/5steps/

Connect with Heather:

Join the Just Breathe Community on Patreon

Give a copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride.

Join Heather's *free* Substack weekly newsletter

Work with Heather one-on-one or bring her into your organization to speak or run a workshop!

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

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Email: hh@chrysalismama.com

Takeaways:

The journey of self-acceptance often begins with recognizing and addressing our inner shame.
Finding a safe harbor and supportive community is vital for LGBTQ youth coming out.
The process of discovering one's identity can be filled with deep internal struggles.
Embracing vulnerability allows individuals to connect more authentically with themselves and others.
First loving oneself is essential to living authentically and supporting others in their journeys.
Shame can be a powerful motivator that drives behaviors, often leading to overcompensation.

Links referenced in this episode:

Empowering Kids Against Bullying: A Conversation with Suzanne Jean Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

Picture your child standing tall, brimming with confidence and equipped with the tools to deftly handle bullying. That's the promise that my guest, Suzanne Jean, delivers on in our insightful conversation today. Suzanne, a passionate advocate for empowering young minds, takes us back to the 70s, painting a stark picture of how at-risk children were stigmatized and criminalized. She then walks us through the evolution of her innovative four-pillar program that cultivates self-confidence through self-defense, with a focus on awareness, attention, avoidance, and action. Suzanne's dedication to transforming young lives shines through as she stresses the significance of being mindful, engaging in open dialogues, and educating children about the intricate workings of their brains.

Diving into compelling narratives, Suzanne shares the transformative journey of her daughter's inner-city classroom. These stories serve as a testament to the potency of self-awareness and resilience. She speaks of the profound impact of positive affirmation and the effectiveness of her program through self-defense, mindfulness, play, and breath work. These tools are instrumental in boosting confidence and teaching kids to regulate their emotions, ultimately changing their behavior and their lives for the better.

We wrap up our conversation by emphasizing the urgent need to equip our children with the knowledge and the skills to navigate the complex world of emotions. The issue of bullying prevention and youth empowerment take center stage as we explore the connection between the brain, body, and spirit. Suzanne offers valuable insights on managing anxiety, fear, and other challenging emotions. She shares her vision to train youth as leaders, introducing them to the world of martial arts and sports. Tune in for a conversation that aims to enlighten, inspire, and empower.

About our Guest:

Suzanne Jean is the Director of Fit4Defense Consulting Ltd. operating a unique anti-bullying program called PowerED. This is a holistic life program that inspires confidence in participants to be heard, safe in the community and free from abuse through assertive communication, self defense and awareness exercises. Suzanne has over fifty years of experience in the design, implementation and accreditation of community-based programs in the social service field. She possesses lifelong experience as a martial artist with a black belt in karate and an advanced tai chi practitioner. Suzanne is a recently published author of "Bullying Stops Here-Steps to Safety, Strength, Confidence and Empowerment.

https://www.fit4defense.ca/

Suzanne book - Bullying Stops Here - https://amzn.to/46Z4jl3

Connect with Heather:

Join the Just Breathe Community on Patreon

Give a copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride.

Join Heather's *free* Substack weekly newsletter

Work with Heather one-on-one or bring her into your organization to speak or run a workshop!

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

YouTube

TikTok

Email: hh@chrysalismama.com

Takeaways:

The podcast emphasizes the importance of self-awareness for children in addressing bullying.
Building confidence through self-defense can empower kids to handle bullying situations effectively.
Creating healthy, confident kids is essential to reduce bullying in schools and communities.
Open discussions about difficult topics like suicide and abuse are crucial for youth support.
The program includes mindfulness techniques to help children self-regulate their emotions better.
Suzanne Jean's curriculum promotes a community approach to tackle bullying at all levels.

Healing Through Breath: Navigating Parenthood with Jen Murray Oct 10, 2023

Show notes

What if you could harness the power of breath to live a more present, intentional, and authentic life? Join me as I engage in a transformative conversation with Jennifer (Jen) Murray, the founder of the High Vibe Healing Collective, who uses breath work and other techniques to cultivate a heart-aligned life and inspire others to do the same.

Get a glimpse into Jen's unique parenting journey, where they weave in somatic practices and astrology to remain genuine and heart-centered during the tumultuous pandemic times. We dissect the role of breath work in breaking old parenting habits, importance of language in shaping our children's lives, and how embracing our humanness can lead to a more enriched parent-child relationship. Jen's personal stories about how their children have served as life's greatest reminders are likely to strike a chord with many of you.

In our exploration of the collective illness of unworthiness and conformity, we delve into how breaking socialization patterns can lead to a more inclusive and loving space for our loved ones. Hear Jen's insights on how breath work and astrology can help us combat this sense of lack and worthiness and guide us towards a more integrated life.

About our Guest:

Jennifer (Jen) Murray (they/them) is the Founder of the High Vibe Healing Collective, using their lived experiences as a white-bodied, queer, loving mama, to breathe new ways of being and belonging. They emphasize inclusivity and conscious co-creation of embodied wellness, uplifting LGBTQ+ communities and inspiring heart-aligned leadership for a more justice-oriented world. Jen sparks joy-filled, loving, cosmically divine communities with a passion for social justice and accountability.

https://highvibehealingcollective.com/

Connect with Heather:

Join the Just Breathe Community on Patreon

Give a copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride.

Join Heather's *free* Substack weekly newsletter

Work with Heather one-on-one or bring her into your organization to speak or run a workshop!

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

YouTube

TikTok

Email: hh@chrysalismama.com

Takeaways:

Breathing is a powerful tool that connects our mind and body, helping us stay present.
Parenting requires embracing the messiness of human experience and allowing for mistakes.
Inclusivity in parenting means recognizing and honoring each child's unique identity and needs.
Awareness of breath can reveal our emotional states and guide us toward healing.
Creating a supportive community is essential for both parents and their LGBTQ children.
The journey of self-discovery is ongoing, and it's important to be compassionate with ourselves.

Links referenced in this episode:

Empowering Kids: The Importance of Consent Culture in Today's Media Sep 26, 2023

Show notes

Join us as we navigate the compelling topics of consent culture, representation in media, and gender inclusivity in sports with our remarkable guest, Michele Meek. As a writer, filmmaker, professor, and entrepreneur, Michele brings an enlightening perspective to our conversation. Listen in as we explore her work on consent culture, her interest in representation in film and media, and her upcoming short film on gender and inclusivity in sports. From her earliest interest in sexuality to her most recent book, Consent Culture and Teen Films, Michele’s insights are bound to challenge your thinking and start important conversations.

Engage in our thoughtful discussion on teaching kids about consent culture and bodily autonomy from a young age. We examine the best ways to initiate conversations about boundaries, body safety, and how to introduce age-appropriate books to children. As we navigate through this topic, we also touch on the positive effects of consent culture in teaching young individuals the importance of communication and respect for others.

Finally, we'll get into the topic of representation in youth media, focusing on the need for more diversity in gender representation, particularly in teen films. We contemplate the effects of traditional sports rules and regulations on youth athletes, with a focus on gender divisions. As we close, we look at the possibilities of gender-neutral sports leagues and the benefits of allowing children to express themselves without being confined to a box. Michele's extensive research on gender diversity and her conviction that society needs to be more open to these findings, makes this a conversation you won't want to miss.

About our Guest:

MICHELE MEEK, Ph.D. (she/her) is a writer, filmmaker, professor, and entrepreneur. She authored the book Consent Culture and Teen Films (published in 2023 with Indiana University Press), and she has published several other books including Independent Female Filmmakers (2019) and The Mastermind Failure Club (2020). She presented a TEDx talk “Why we’re confused about consent—rewriting our stories of seduction” and has written for Ms. Magazine, Script Magazine, Entrepreneur, The Good Men Project, Salon.com, among others.

Michele has also directed numerous award-winning short films, including Bay Creek Tennis Camp (2023), Imagine Kolle 37 (2017), and Red Sneakers (2008), and she worked as associate producer on the documentary feature Salvage (2019), which premiered at SXSW Film Festival. She has several creative projects in the works—including a feature screenplay Cruisin‘, an episodic screenplay Midlife Mayhem, and a documentaryThe Impermanence of Everything.

She is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Communication Studies department at Bridgewater State University, where she teaches filmmaking, screenwriting, film studies, digital media, gender studies, and life design.

https://michelemeek.com/

Connect with Heather:

Join the Just Breathe Community on Patreon

Give a copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride.

Join Heather's *free* Substack weekly newsletter

Work with Heather one-on-one or bring her into your organization to speak or run a workshop!

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

YouTube

TikTok

Email: hh@chrysalismama.com

Takeaways:

Conversations about consent should start early to empower children and protect their boundaries.
Media representation plays a crucial role in shaping young people's understanding of gender and sexuality.
Normalizing discussions around consent can help children navigate complex social situations better.
Sports should be inclusive, allowing all kids to play without the pressure of gender divisions.
Parents can use media as a tool to facilitate discussions about consent and relationships.
Being open to new ways of thinking is essential for addressing issues of gender diversity.

Links referenced in this episode:

www.michellemeek.com

Breaking the Silence: A Heartfelt Discussion on LGBTQ+ Youth and Suicide Prevention Sep 12, 2023

Show notes

Content warning: This episodes discusses the important issue of teen suicide and its' prevention.

What if we told you that a staggering 41% of LGBTQ+ youth have considered suicide in the past year? Yes, you heard it right. That's the chilling reality we tackle on this episode of Just Breathe, where we engage in a deeply important conversation about suicide prevention. Our guest, AnneMoss Rogers, is a mental health and suicide education expert, who bravely shares her personal journey and the valuable lessons she learned from her family's tragic experience with suicide.

Woven into our discussion is the heart-rending story of a mother who battled her son's mental health issues and substance misuse. We navigate through the complexities of his diagnosis of major depression, ADHD, anxiety, and substance use to mask his feelings of suicide. The moment she learnt about her son's death underscored the urgent need for suicide prevention efforts.

In the latter part of the episode, we commit to addressing adolescent suicidal risk, shedding light on the signs to watch out for and how parents can provide support. We share practical tips from creating a crisis response plan to fostering open conversations about suicide and empowering your children with coping mechanisms. As we wrap up, we want to remind you that you are not alone and that help is always available. Let's join hands to raise awareness, demonstrate compassion and save lives.

About our Guest:

AnneMoss Rogers is a mental health and suicide education expert, professional speaker, trainer, and consultant. After her 20-year-old son, Charles died by suicide in 2015, AnneMoss chronicled her family’s tragedy in a newspaper article that went viral, and her blog, Emotionally Naked, has reached millions. She is the author of the award-winning memoir, Diary of a Broken Mind and the best seller, Emotionally Naked: A Teacher’s Guide to Preventing Suicide and Recognizing Students at Risk with co-writer Dr. Kimberly O’Brien.

She has been a TEDx speaker, was featured in the New York Times, Variety Magazine, and was the first non-clinician invited to speak on youth suicide at the National Institute of Mental Health. A UNC-Chapel Hill alumna, Anne Moss currently lives in Richmond, VA. Her surviving son is a filmmaker in LA.

Website: https://mentalhealthawarenesseducation.com/

Emotionally Naked© blog: http://emotionallynaked.com

AnneMoss’ TEDx – Can a Blog Save Lives?

AnneMoss’ books and free e-book library: https://mentalhealthawarenesseducation.com/mental-health-books/#free_mentalhealth_ebooks

Hotlines:

· TrevorSpace Discussion Board for LGBTQ+ peer support

· Canada 1-833-456-4566

· United Kingdom 116 123

· Australia 13 11 14

· International suicide hotlines

· USA Suicide Hotline 988

· Crisis text line US/ Canada. 741-741

· USA Crisis line for LGBTQ Youth 1-866-488-7386

· USA Crisis text line LGBTQ Youth 678-678

· TransLifeLine 1-877-565-8860

Connect with Heather:

Join the Just Breathe Community on Patreon

Give a copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride.

Join Heather's *free* Substack weekly newsletter

Work with Heather one-on-one or bring her into your organization to speak or run a workshop!

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

YouTube

TikTok

Email: hh@chrysalismama.com

Takeaways:

The mental health of LGBTQ youth is deeply affected by societal misunderstanding and negative messaging.
Parents must actively listen and create a safe space for open conversations about mental health.
Suicidal ideation in youth can fluctuate, and asking direct questions can provide relief.
Recognizing signs of isolation and self-deprecating remarks in teens is crucial for prevention.
Creating a personalized crisis response plan can empower youth to manage their mental health.
Advocacy for LGBTQ youth requires patience, understanding, and appealing to shared humanity in discussions.

Links referenced in this episode:

Embracing Intuition: How to Listen to Your Inner Guidance Aug 29, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever had that gut feeling, that whispering voice within, guiding you somewhere you just can't explain? We've all experienced it at some point. It's intuition, that unexplainable guide within us. This inner voice often gets drowned in the cacophony of our busy lives and the constant chatter of our minds. Yet, deciphering and trusting this voice can be the key to a more attuned, aware, and insightful life. Today, we welcome our special guest, Heather Maguire, an unconventional intuitive who helps individuals understand and trust their intuition.

Heather shares her unique journey of understanding her gift and how she uses it to guide others. She brilliantly differentiates between fear messages and intuition messages, sharing how to build a relationship with our intuition. Can you imagine how empowering it would be to trust your gut feelings, especially when making crucial decisions, like parenting? Heather helps us understand how to still our minds, tap into our awareness, and honor our bodies' responses to the external world. She emphasizes the power of slowing down and taking care of ourselves, helping us reconnect with our intuition.

The intriguing part of our conversation revolves around intuition experiments. Heather gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming project, the Energy Lab, where she will teach people to experiment with their energy, inviting insights from the universe through open-ended questions. We conclude the episode with a unique meditation designed to face fear and find courage, a truly empowering way to end our conversation.

Listen to this episode if you're curious about understanding and harnessing your intuition for personal growth and decision-making. Let's unlock the door to our untapped intuitive potential together.

About our Guest:

Heather Maguire, the Unconventional Intuitive is uniquely talented in making people feel safe to listen and follow their own intuitive knowing. For more than 15 years she has been gently and compassionately guiding people to a deeper understanding of who they are and what they are capable of creating in their lives.

https://www.facebook.com/UnconventionalIntuitive

https://unconventionalintuitive.com/

Connect with Heather:

Join the Just Breathe Community on Patreon

Give a copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride.

Join Heather's *free* Substack weekly newsletter

Work with Heather one-on-one or bring her into your organization to speak or run a workshop!

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

YouTube

TikTok

Email: hh@chrysalismama.com

Takeaways:

The transition back to school can create an energetic shift in the household, impacting everyone, including pets.
Listening to your intuition is essential, especially during times of transition and uncertainty.
Building a relationship with your intuition involves recognizing it as a natural bodily function.
Practicing stillness and awareness can help you differentiate between intuition and fear-based thoughts.
The heart rock walks teach you to connect with nature while exploring your desires and intuition.
Asking open-ended questions can open pathways for intuitive insights and problem-solving.

Navigating Queer Life: Insights from Life Coach David Devore Aug 15, 2023

Show notes

Get ready for an intense journey of self-discovery and healing as we welcome David Devore, a psychotherapist and wellness coach. Listen in as David unravels his personal spiritual journey, shedding light on the struggles of coming to terms with his queer identity and how internalized homophobia and shame were affecting his life. His transformative experience has equipped him to work effectively with the LGBTQIA community, offering insights and support from a place of empathy and understanding.

We also focus on the importance of parental support for queer children. Our conversation with David delves into the complexities of shame, religion, and LGBTQ+ children, highlighting the potential damage the heteronormative narrative of religion can cause. We stress the significance of creating a safe and supportive space for children to express their identity, the role of education in fighting homophobia, and how parents can prepare themselves for this important conversation.

David discusses the significance of grace, understanding, and readiness to learn for parents navigating this sensitive terrain. Listen in to understand the potential effects of rejection, shunning ceremonies, and addiction that many queer youth face, and the immense power of support, acceptance, and open conversations. The profound connection between a parent and child can be maintained, despite the imperfections, as long as the conversation stays open and filled with love.

About our Guest:

David DeVore is a life coach specializing in the challenges of queer life such as coming out, internalized homophobia, and shame. David embarked upon a spiritual journey in his early 40s in response to midlife/existential crisis. He discovered that internalized homophobia and shame had been holding him back in all areas of his life, by negatively coloring the lens of his perspective. This cathartic moment ignited David's passion for the work he does with the LGBTQIA community today. David is a former masters level psychotherapist, and wellness coach. He enjoys hot yoba and meditation.

https://www.tiktok.com/@coachdevore

https://www.instagram.com/coachdevore/

https://coachdevore.com

Connect with Heather:

Join the Just Breathe Community on Patreon

Give a copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride.

Join Heather's *free* Substack weekly newsletter

Work with Heather one-on-one or bring her into your organization to speak or run a workshop!

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

YouTube

TikTok

Email: hh@chrysalismama.com

Takeaways:

Coming out is a personal journey for each individual, not about others' expectations.
Parents should approach their child's coming out with love, compassion, and openness.
Recognizing and addressing one's own fears can help foster a supportive environment.
Education about LGBTQIA+ experiences is crucial for parents to understand their children better.
Internalized homophobia can deeply affect an individual's mental health and happiness.
Creating a safe space for dialogue can strengthen the parent-child relationship during coming out.

The Art of Vulnerability: A Conversation with Yuval David Aug 01, 2023

Show notes

How would you feel if you had the ability to express your deepest emotions in a safe and supportive space? Is it possible that the secret to growth and self-realization is hidden in our vulnerability? Award-winning actor and activist, Yuval David, joins us on the show today to explore these questions and more. We kick off our conversation delving into the powerful realm of storytelling, and how it shapes our perception of ourselves and others. Yuval shares his insights on the transformative power of stories, how they've influenced his work in film, television, theatre, and the digital space, and his ongoing advocacy for civil rights, social justice, and representation.

Ever stopped to truly appreciate the 'now', the present moment you're in? The Hebrew concept of "Hineni", meaning 'I am', serves as our guide as we embark on a journey to discover mindfulness. Yuval delves into this concept, emphasizing the importance of gratitude, not for our successes, but for the mere fact of our existence. We then navigate the often-underestimated importance of expressing our emotions, in particular, through crying, and how establishing a secure space for these expressions can be therapeutic, bringing about a sense of equilibrium and peace.

To wrap it up, we delve into the world of the LGBTQIA+ community, examining the power of vulnerability and the critical aspect of setting boundaries. Yuval and I bring to light the importance of standing up as an ally and using our voices for tangible positive influence. We then explore Yuval's groundbreaking art project, Wonderfully Made, which portrays Jesus as a member or ally of the LGBTQ community. So tune in, and join us on this enlightening journey through storytelling, mindfulness, and advocacy in the realm of LGBTQIA+.

About our Guest:

Yuval David

Emmy Award winning actor, host, filmmaker, and advocate with a creative mantra to entertain, uplift, and inspire. As a filmmaker, Yuval produces, directs, and writes short and feature films, documentaries, web-series, and digital and TV content, including the award-winning episodic series, One Actor Short, Pranks of Kindness, Better World with Yuval David, What Makes You Beautiful, and numerous other web series. His work has been screened at international film festivals, receiving over 100 awards.

Yuval advocates for all marginalized communities through his creative work and social action, including the National LGBTQ Task Force, GLAAD, Rainbow Railroad, Freedom House, EndJewHatred, the Shoah Foundation, the Jewish National Fund (JNF), Keren Kayemet, Stand With Us, A Wider Bridge, The Aguda, American Israel Cultural Foundation, Chabad, the Jewish Learning Institute, the Embassy of Israel, Covenant House, LGBTQ Centers across the US and internationally, The Giving Group Community, Black Jewish Entertainment Alliance, Creative Community for Peace, and other organizations.

Find him on social media at https://www.yuvaldavid.com/

www.wonderfullymadefilm.com

Connect with Heather:

Join the Just Breathe Community on Patreon

Give a copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride.

Join Heather's *free* Substack weekly newsletter

Work with Heather one-on-one or bring her into your organization to speak or run a workshop!

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

YouTube

TikTok

Email: hh@chrysalismama.com

Takeaways:

Yuval David emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability in order to foster creativity and connection with others.
Life is a continuous exploration of ourselves, and our identities can intersect in meaningful ways.
Advocacy for LGBTQ rights within religious contexts is crucial for promoting acceptance and understanding.
The film 'Wonderfully Made' aims to bridge the gap between LGBTQ identities and faith communities.
Art has the power to provoke thought and emotion, challenging societal norms and expectations.
Practicing gratitude for simply being present in the moment can enhance one’s overall well-being.

Links referenced in this episode:

The Talk Reimagined: How to Have Ongoing Conversations About Sexual Health with Your Kids Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

Dr. David Huebner returns to discuss critical research surrounding the alarming rates of HIV and other health risks faced by queer boys, emphasizing the importance of open communication between parents and their children. He shares insights from a recent study that highlights the role parents play in influencing the health and well-being of LGBTQ youth, particularly regarding sexual health education. The conversation explores how parents can better support their children by fostering strong relationships and being proactive in addressing minority stress. Huebner also introduces an innovative online toolkit designed to help parents effectively communicate about sexual health with their sons. This episode is a valuable resource for parents seeking to navigate these important discussions and ensure their children feel supported and understood.

Are you ready to rethink how we support our LGBTQ+ kids? This episode brings forth a critical conversation as we unravel the research of Dr. David Huebner. His latest work spotlights an alarming rise in the distress rates among children, especially queer youth. His comprehensive survey toolbox stems from his study on HIV among queer boys, and he enlightens us about the worrisome trends of escalated depression, substance use, and suicide among youngsters.

Now, the question is, how do we tackle these distressing trends? This conversation isn't just about understanding the problem, but about finding solutions as well. We explore how parents can adapt their behavior to provide better support for their LGBTQ+ kids. From advocating for their child's rights at school to encouraging self-expression, we share insights to guide parents. We also highlight the importance of open conversations about sexual health with your kids and the need to normalize these discussions.

We also share updates on his study and emphasize the importance of utilizing available resources to understand the risks faced by LGBTQ+ youth better. From education on laws to online toolkits like PATHS (Parents and Adolescents Talking About Healthy Sexuality), we discuss various avenues to help.

We hope this riveting conversation will inspire you to join us in raising and supporting LGBTQ+ kids in the best possible way.

Become a study participant with Dr. Huebner:

Researchers at George Washington University are seeking parents with LGBTQ kids to participate in a paid research study.
Your participation will help create resources to support families like yours.
The resources they offer help parents be more supportive of their LGBTQ kids, including helping parents talk to kids about sex and HIV.
If you qualify, you'll get free access to the parent resources. Parents earn $350 for participating, and youth earn $175.
To learn more and to see if you qualify, visit www.parentwithlove.org.

About our Guest:

Dr. David Huebner is a clinical psychologist and Professor of Prevention and Community Health at George Washington University. He has spent 20 years researching how parents influence the health of LGBTQ youth. He’s also a dad to an energetic, hysterical middle-school-aged son. You can learn more about his work by visiting www.parentwithlove.org.

Connect with Heather:

Join the Just Breathe Community on Patreon

Give a copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride.

Join Heather's *free* Substack weekly newsletter

Work with Heather one-on-one or bring her into your organization to speak or run a workshop!

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

YouTube

TikTok

Email: hh@chrysalismama.com

Takeaways:

It's vital for parents to engage in ongoing conversations about sexuality with their children.
Understanding minority stress helps parents support LGBTQ youth in navigating their identities.
Research shows that parents can significantly impact their queer child's mental health positively.
Creating a supportive environment reduces feelings of internalized homophobia for LGBTQ youth.
Access to sexual health resources, like condoms, does not encourage sexual activity but promotes safety.
The toolkit developed by Dr. Huebner's team aims to improve parent-child communication regarding sexual health.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

George Washington University
GLSEN
Parent with Love

Conversations on Love: Reflecting on Six Years of Family Growth and LGBTQ Advocacy Jul 18, 2023

Show notes

The latest installment of Just Breathe Parenting features an incredibly heartfelt conversation with my husband Steve and two of our children, Connor and Gray. The episode celebrates not only the evolution of our family dynamics over the past six and a half years but also the transformative journey each member has experienced as we navigated the complexities of parenting an LGBTQ child(ren). The intimate discussion reveals how our family's communication has deepened and grown more empathetic, thanks in large part to therapy and a commitment to understanding each other's truths. Connor reflects on how his coming out changed the family, allowing everyone to express themselves more freely while fostering an environment of unconditional love and support. Gray shares insights on their growth and comfort in their identity, highlighting the importance of shared experiences and how they've shaped their understanding of queerness within the family context.

The conversation touches on the themes of acceptance, empathy, and the significance of open dialogue in a family setting. Each family member reflects on their personal growth, with Isabelle noting how the familial bond has made growing up easier by enabling candid conversations about identity and feelings. The episode also explores the concept of being uncomfortable as a catalyst for growth, emphasizing the need for parents to engage in difficult conversations and trust their instincts. In a world where LGBTQ issues remain contentious, the family's openness serves as a beacon of hope for others navigating similar journeys. Their collective experiences paint a vivid picture of how unconditional love and support can create a nurturing environment for children to flourish.

Listeners are reminded that they are not alone in their struggles and that developing a nurturing family dynamic, even amidst challenges, is not only possible but essential. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to join the Just Breathe community, reinforcing the idea that connection and support are vital in the parenting journey. Whether through shared laughter, tears, or collective wisdom, the Hester family's journey is one of resilience and love, inspiring parents and children alike to embrace their authenticity and support one another unconditionally.

Takeaways:

The journey of understanding and supporting an LGBTQ child involves continuous growth for the entire family.
Creating a safe environment for open communication is crucial for children coming out.
Therapy and professional help can be invaluable in navigating complex family dynamics and social issues.
The importance of unconditional love and acceptance cannot be overstated for LGBTQ youth.
Learning to embrace discomfort can lead to deeper family connections and understanding.
Encouraging empathy and validating feelings are key components in supporting each other through challenges.

Connect with Heather:

Join the Just Breathe Community on Patreon

Give a copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride.

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