What LGBTQ Kids Really Need from Their Parents

What LGBTQ Kids Really Need from Their Parents

Author: Heather Hester August 26, 2025 Duration: 36:21
More Human More Kind: Guidance for Parents & Allies of LGBTQ Teens
KidsKids & FamilyCultureEducationFamilyParentingRelationshipsSocietySociety & Culture

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.

  1. Hear the real story behind Anna’s unexpected journey from confusion to courage after her son’s coming out
  2. Learn how to handle grief, guilt, and vulnerability without letting fear take the lead
  3. 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!

Are you ready to take action? Let's connect and create a personalized plan!

Stay informed - receive my newsletter 2x/month

Invite me to speak at your workshop or event

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!

Connect heather@heatherhester.net

Buy Me A Coffee

Watch on YouTube

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 grow their capacity for courageous, compassionate connection.

For parents, allies, and those 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 podcast in a heartfelt and empowering space where a mom and advocate offers practical guidance and education to parents and allies, fostering empathy, kindness, love, and strong boundaries while supporting LGBTQ teens and the diverse LGBTQ community—including gay, lesiban, 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.



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

Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

Heather Hester understands the complex mix of emotions that can arise when a child comes out. Her work, including the book *Parenting with Pride*, has been a lifeline for many, and that same grounded, compassionate guidance is the heart of More Human More Kind: Guidance for Parents & Allies of LGBTQ Teens. This isn't about quick fixes or theoretical debates; it's a practical, twice-weekly conversation for anyone who wants to move from a place of uncertainty or worry toward genuine understanding and active support. You'll hear from Heather directly, as she shares insights and strategies drawn from both personal experience and her extensive work with families. The discussions in this podcast are designed to meet you where you are, whether you're navigating new pronouns, fostering resilience in your teen, or learning how to advocate effectively in your wider community. Episodes tackle real-world questions, from family dynamics and mental health to building inclusive spaces, always with an emphasis on connection over correction. Tuning in feels like getting thoughtful advice from a trusted friend who knows the path can be challenging but is always hopeful. The goal is to help you replace fear with clarity and confusion with confident love, ultimately strengthening your relationship with your child. If you're seeking a resource that honors your journey while providing actionable steps forward, this podcast offers a steady, kind-hearted companion for the road ahead.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Official website RSS
instagramyoutubelinkedinspotify
More Human More Kind: Guidance for Parents & Allies of LGBTQ Teens
Podcast Episodes
Parents, Here's How to Escape the Holiday Comparison Trap [DAY 7] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:40
DAY 7MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR!12 Tiny Rebellions to Counter Holiday ChaosScrolling social media this time of year and feeling like everyone else’s holiday is warmer, h…
Reframing Holiday Loneliness for LGBTQ Parents and Allies [DAY 3] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:29
DAY 3MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND MOST COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR12 Tiny Rebellions Against Holiday ChaosThe holiday lights are twinkling, the house is full, and yet, you feel... alone. If you're pa…

«12345678910»