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Is the Separation of Church and State Important and How Does It Affect LGBTQ Folks?
Description
What happens when the line between church and state begins to blur, and most people don't even notice?
In this urgent episode of More Human, More Kind, Heather Hester continues the Foundations of Freedom series by unpacking the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, the often-overlooked protection against government-imposed religion. From Thomas Jefferson's letter on the “wall of separation” to the Supreme Court’s shift toward tradition-based rulings, Heather guides listeners through the legal, cultural, and political shifts threatening true religious freedom in the U.S.
This episode is especially critical for parents, LGBTQ+ families, educators, and allies seeking clarity in an increasingly chaotic cultural moment. You’ll learn how Christian nationalism and selective interpretations of “freedom” are influencing public policy, education, and social justice, and how this impacts not just faith communities, but the safety, inclusion, and identity of those often pushed to the margins. Heather explores what it means to hold space for both belief and balance, and why empathy, courage, and allyship are crucial in defending democracy.
Press play to gain real guidance on how to talk about the separation of church and state with your kids, how to spot the signs of religious overreach in your community, and how to protect what matters most from mental health and parenting to love and liberty. Because religious freedom isn’t just a right, it’s a responsibility.
Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!
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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.
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