Episode Details

Is your school community confusing “nice” with “kind” and leaving LGBTQ students unsupported in the process?

As a new school year begins, many of us want to build more inclusive classrooms and communities, but surface-level politeness won’t get us there. This episode challenges parents, educators, and allies to embrace kindness as a courageous, everyday act that builds true safety and connection.

1. Learn the key difference between being “nice” and practicing real kindness in school settings
2. Get ready-to-use scripts for handling misgendering, exclusion, and passive comments with compassion and clarity
3. Discover simple ways to raise children who lead with empathy and protect their peers with quiet courage

Press play to learn how kindness can become a bold tool for change—and how you can model and teach it this school year.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Resource: Welcoming Schools – Back-to-School Kindness Resources

Why it matters: This toolkit includes class posters, conversation starters, book lists, and sample lessons to help schools and families build inclusive environments from day one.

Other resources to explore:

1. Teaching Tolerance (Learning for Justice) – Culturally responsive lesson plans and conversation starters
2. Kindness.org – Research-backed kindness practices for schools and communities
3. StoryCorps’ “Listen Closely” LGBTQ Archive – Stories that inspire empathy, connection, and action

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

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