Episode Details

Ever heard someone say “LGBTQ isn’t for kids”? Whether in a school board meeting or family gathering, that phrase may sound protective, but it’s doing real harm.

In this bold and heartfelt episode, Heather breaks down one of the most dangerous narratives affecting LGBTQ+ youth today. You’ll learn how the idea that queer identities are “inappropriate” or “too adult” for kids not only erases real children, it creates lasting harm. And you’ll get tools to replace shame with truth, silence with conversation, and fear with love.

• Understand the real impact of LGBTQ+ erasure on kids’ mental health and self-worth
• Discover how inclusive language, books, and visibility create safer, kinder environments
• Learn how to challenge this narrative with courage, compassion, and concrete action

Press play to explore how you can protect LGBTQ+ youth - not by shielding them from identity, but by celebrating the truth of who they are.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Books for younger audiences:

• Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall (gender identity)
• Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love (gender expression)
• It Feels Good to Be Yourself by Theresa Thorn (gender identity)
• And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson (two-dad family)

Books for middle grades and YA audiences:

• Alan Cole is Not a Coward and Alan Cole Doesn’t Dance by Eric Bell
• A High Five for Glenn Burke by Phil Bildner
• King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender
• The Queen Bees of Tybee County by Kyle Casey Chu
• Amelia, If Only by Becky Albertalli
• I Can’t Even Think Straight by Dean Atta
• Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian

Educational orgs to follow:

• Welcoming Schools (by HRC) – welcomingschools.org
• GLSEN – glsen.org
• Gender Spectrum – genderspectrum.org

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

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