What More Human Actually Means: Being Less Performed Changes Everything When Parenting LGBTQ Kids

What More Human Actually Means: Being Less Performed Changes Everything When Parenting LGBTQ Kids

Author: Heather Hester | Advocate for Parents of LGBTQ Teens August 18, 2026 Duration: 12:06

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What does being “more human” mean to you?

This episode is a personal one, tracing how performing "fine" for most of my life, learned as a survival mechanism, gave way to embracing the vulnerable, raw, and messy parts of who I actually am. It's a direct answer to the question at the center of this whole show, and an invitation for you to ask it of yourself.

In this episode, you'll learn how to:

  • Understand "more human" as more honest and less performed, not more polished or more healed
  • Recognize the gap between how put together you look and how you actually feel inside
  • Notice one relationship where honesty would be met with relief instead of judgment
  • Practice one true sentence instead of the edited version you'd normally give

Press play to hear the story behind this show's name, and three tools for closing your own inside-outside gap.

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

Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed? Download my free guide to take you from Panic to Plan.

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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 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 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.



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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: 50

More Human. More Kind. | Parenting LGBTQ Kids, Unlearning Fear, Becoming More Human
Podcast Episodes
Four Tiny Actions for Every Stage of Your Own Coming-Out Process [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all of the information coming at you?This week's Butterfly Effect gives you four tiny actions across four different points in your own process, from repairing a moment you regret to saying…
The Six Stages Every Parent Goes Through When Their Kid Comes Out [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Your teen isn't the only one going through a coming out process. You are too, and most parents skip past their own.From shock to true acceptance, there are six distinct stages parents move through after a child comes out…
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Duration: 11:05
Grab the Panic to Plan Guide Join me on SubstackEvery August, before a single backpack gets packed, there's a threshold parents like us cross. Not the kids. Us.Interest: For parents of lgbtq teens, or kids who are neurod…