What do you do when your child starts exploring gender and the world is telling you to panic instead of listen?

In this urgent and compassionate episode, Heather sits down with non-binary speaker and educator Rex Wilde to address the questions parents are asking most, especially in a time of rising fear, misinformation, and political attacks. With stories from their own journey, practical guidance, and data-backed truths, Rex brings clarity, courage, and warmth to one of the most misunderstood topics in today’s cultural conversation.

• Learn how to respond when your child begins expressing a different gender identity—or explores gender at all
• Hear how allyship is evolving, and what true support looks like in today’s climate
• Gain tools to navigate misinformation, avoid burnout, and build a resilient, affirming home and community

Press play to gain the grounded guidance, perspective, and hope you need to show up fully—as a parent, ally, and human.

Connect with Rex:

www.rexwilde.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexewilde/

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

Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from Heather's book, Parenting with Pride.

Find out what kind of ally you are!

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

Connect heather@heatherhester.net

Join the Kind Space on Patreon

Book a call!

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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.

If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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 explores connection, courage, and community for every concerned parent, mom, or ally navigating fear, grief, and bigotry with hope, resilience, and empathy. Through open-minded education, inclusive parenting guidance, and advocacy for mental health and safety, we support LGBTQ youth and stand for human rights and social justice. More Human. More Kind. empowers listeners to shift their mindset, embrace activism and allyship,...

What happens when crisis support is stripped away—but the danger remains? And what do we do with the heartbreak, anger, and fear that follow?

In this timely episode, Heather unpacks the quiet, unannounced removal of the LGBTQ+ support option from the national 988 crisis line—and what that loss means for queer youth, for families, and for every ally committed to creating a safer, more just world. But this conversation goes beyond policy. It dives into the emotional tension we’re all holding right now: how to stay engaged and hopeful while feeling deeply saddened, disappointed, and even disgusted. How to keep showing up—especially when it hurts.

• Understand why the removal of LGBTQ+-specific support from 988 isn’t just an administrative change—it’s a threat to lives
• Learn how to hold grief and courage at the same time—and how that duality can fuel real, loving action
• Get practical guidance on alternative crisis resources, how to advocate effectively, and how to be a refuge for LGBTQ+ youth when systems fall short

Listen now to reclaim your voice, strengthen your courage, and learn how to hold both heartbreak and hope in the fight to protect LGBTQ+ lives.

Links Mentioned:

• The Trevor Project Crisis Services – https://www.thetrevorproject.org
• Trans Lifeline – https://translifeline.org
• Q Chat Space – https://www.qchatspace.org
• National LGBTQ Task Force – https://www.thetaskforce.org
• Human Rights Campaign 988 Brief – [searchable on hrc.org]

Call your congresspeople - over and over and over!

Here's how it works:

1. Call the number: Dial (202) 224-3121.
2. Request an office: Tell the operator which member of Congress (Senator or Representative) you wish to reach.
3. Connect to the office: The operator will connect you directly to the requested office.

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

Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from Heather's book, Parenting with Pride.

Find out what kind of ally you are!

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

Connect heather@heatherhester.net

Join the Kind Space on Patreon

Book a call!

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...

Are you truly protecting your LGBTQ+ child—or just hoping love will be enough?

In a world where safety for LGBTQ+ youth is under attack, many parents and allies feel overwhelmed, unsure how to provide real protection at home. This episode tackles the urgent need for emotional, psychological, and identity-based safety—and offers a powerful framework to help families create affirming environments that truly protect.

• Learn 5 simple yet transformative ways to make your home safer and more affirming for LGBTQ+ youth
• Gain the confidence and language to set loving but firm boundaries with extended family and friends
• Find strength and solidarity through connection to a growing, affirming community of families and advocates

Hit play to start building a home where your LGBTQ+ child feels safe, seen, and fiercely supported—every single day.

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

Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from Heather's book, Parenting with Pride.

Find out what kind of ally you are!

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

Connect heather@heatherhester.net

Join the Kind Space on Patreon

Book a call!

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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.

If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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 explores connection, courage, and community for every concerned parent, mom, or ally navigating fear, grief, and bigotry with hope, resilience, and empathy. Through open-minded education, inclusive parenting guidance, and advocacy for mental health and safety, we support LGBTQ youth and stand for human rights and social justice. More Human. More Kind. empowers listeners to shift their mindset, embrace activism and allyship, and lead with kindness, healing, and purpose.