Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen  By  cover art

Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen

By: Heather Hester
  • Summary

  • Do you have a child, teen, or young adult who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or any other beautiful sexual orientation or gender identity? Do you feel alone in your effort to support them on their journey or navigate your own? Heather Hester from Chrysalis Mama is here to transform the conversation around loving, raising, and empowering an LGBTQIA+ teenager as well as being a supportive ally to all LGBTQIA+ people. Since 2017, when her son embraced his sexual orientation as a young gay man, Heather and her family have felt every emotion, and have experienced dozens of situations ranging from heartwarming and humorous to terrifyingly life-threatening. She and her husband initially felt alone and overwhelmed, moving her to want to support others traveling a similar path. She discusses taboo topics and works to erase stigmas surrounding the coming out process and parenting an LGBTQIA+ teen. Heather's shows are both interview and solo offering a wide range of fascinating guests as well as her own episodes where she shares wisdom, stories, and strategies. Sitting in the top 2% of all podcasts, Just Breathe is relatable, educational, and warm. Heather's approach is based on four pillars - to Embrace, Educate, Empower, and Love - and most of all, to reinforce to all LGBTQ people, their families, and their allies that they are not alone!
    © 2021 Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen
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Episodes
  • The Future Perfect Project: Empowerment and Belonging in the LGBTQ+ Youth Community
    May 21 2024

    With the compassionate insights of Celeste Lecesne from the Future Perfect Project and the vibrant duo, Lily and Eric, from the "I'm Feeling Queer Today" podcast, in today's episodes we are going to discuss the resonating impact of giving voice to the marginalized, weaving a narrative that highlights the significance of safe spaces, creative expression, and the indomitable spirit of queer youth.

    Join us as we navigate the inspirational paths of our guests, whose aspirations and educational pursuits demonstrate the transformative power of passion. Their stories are a testament to the importance of a supportive network, reminding us all that our involvement, whether as listeners, parents, or allies, is crucial in fostering a nurturing environment for self-acceptance and growth. Encouraging trust and curiosity, we explore avenues of support that emphasize presence and understanding over perfection. Celebrating the courage of queer individuals, we underscore the Future Project's role in shining a light on their creative talent.

    Our exchange is a profound acknowledgement of the difference that even one supportive figure can make in a young person's life, inspiring gratitude for the connections that shape a brighter, more inclusive future.

    To Learn More about the Future Perfect Project visit https://www.thefutureperfectproject.org/

    Listen to the I'm Feeling Queer Today podcast on your favorite app or on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/im-feeling-queer-today/id1726198109

    Don't forget to grab your copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride. Available Now! https://chrysalismama.com/book


    Connect with Heather:

    Get Your Ally Toolkit Now, including a free primer! https://toolkit.chrysalismama.com/ally-free-gift

    YouTube: @chrysalismama9499

    TikTok: @chrysalismama

    Learn how you can make an impact: https://linktr.ee/chrysalismama

    Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com/solutions

    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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    47 mins
  • Looking Back, Moving Forward: The Growth of Queer Identity and Family Ties
    May 7 2024

    Join me as I welcome back Connor and Gray to share an intimate look at the emotions and gratitude surrounding my book's journey, a heartfelt narrative that's been a labor of love and vulnerability. We discuss the mix of panic and excitement that comes with releasing a story so close to our hearts, and the significance of our unique friendship that has provided a foundation of support through it all. Connor and Gray weigh in with pride and curiosity, revealing their thoughts on their portrayal in the book and the impact it may have on its readers.

    Listen in as we reflect on the intricate dance of personal storytelling and the nuances of representation, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. I open up about the anticipation of sharing our stories through the book and this podcast, the vulnerability it entails, and the surprising responses we've received. The conversation underscores the transformative power of authentic narratives and the importance of visibility for marginalized groups, illustrated by touching feedback from a gay volleyball league member.

    This is a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics, personal growth, and the journey of self-discovery. We delve into the profound changes in family communication, the shift from rigid beliefs to open spirituality, and the courage it takes to embrace one's true identity. Our discussion celebrates the progress we've made as a family, the essential role of support during moments of independence, and the empowering process of coming to terms with LGBTQ+ identity.

    Connect with Heather:

    Get Your Ally Toolkit Now, including a free primer! https://toolkit.chrysalismama.com/ally-free-gift

    YouTube: @chrysalismama9499

    TikTok: @chrysalismama

    Learn how you can make an impact: https://linktr.ee/chrysalismama

    Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com/solutions

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

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Get your Free "Pronouns Made Simple" download now: https://learnwith.chrysalismama.com/optin

    Pre-order Parenting with Pride Now: https://chrysalismama.com/book

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    43 mins
  • Unveiling the Heart Behind 'Parenting with Pride'
    Apr 23 2024

    Ready to transform the way you parent your LGBTQ child with pride and understanding? "Parenting with Pride" isn't just a book; it's a journey of evolution, a guide filled with heartfelt stories, robust research, and strategic tools that I have poured my heart into. This episode peels back the curtain on the creation of my upcoming literary labor of love and answers the burning questions so many of you have shared. As we sit back in our cozy coffee shop chat, I'll reveal the four pillars that are the cornerstone of both the book and our ongoing discussions: Embrace, Educate and Unlearn Bias, Empower, and Love. Trust me, this is a conversation that goes beyond the pages, designed to illuminate and guide every step you take with your LGBTQ teen.

    Connect with Heather:

    Get Your Ally Toolkit Now, including a free primer! https://toolkit.chrysalismama.com/ally-free-gift

    YouTube: @chrysalismama9499

    TikTok: @chrysalismama

    Learn how you can make an impact: https://linktr.ee/chrysalismama

    Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com/solutions

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

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Get your Free "Pronouns Made Simple" download now: https://learnwith.chrysalismama.com/optin

    Pre-order Parenting with Pride Now: https://chrysalismama.com/book

    Show more Show less
    12 mins

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