Episode Details

What if the books children read could shape a more compassionate, inclusive future for LGBTQ teens and families?

In a world filled with labels, stereotypes, and expectations, many parents struggle to create environments where children feel safe expressing who they truly are. In this inspiring episode, Heather talks with bestselling author Michael Tyler about the power of inclusive children’s literature, why representation matters, and how parents and allies can help LGBTQ youth build confidence, self-acceptance, and belonging from an early age.

In this episode, you’ll discover how to:

• Support LGBTQ teens and children by encouraging authenticity, acceptance, and emotional safety
• Use books and storytelling to foster empathy, inclusion, and meaningful LGBTQ allyship
• Help children break free from limiting labels while building confidence and self-worth

Press play to learn how parents, educators, and allies can use inclusive storytelling to empower LGBTQ youth and create a more compassionate world for every child.

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

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This is a place to feel messy while you're figuring it out.

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 connection.

For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heartwarming 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 on this journey with me.

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