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Empathy, Inclusion, and Raising an LGBTQ Child: A Conversation With Author and Advocate Maria Gallucci
Description
BOUNUS Interview Episode!
What if empathy wasn’t something you had to be born with but something you practiced, moment by moment?
In today’s bonus episode, Heather sits down with Maria Gallucci, a CODA, LGBTQ+ parent, bestselling author, and fierce advocate for underrepresented voices. Her story will challenge how you think about empathy, identity, and belonging, and might just change how you show up in the world.
- Hear how growing up in a deaf family taught Maria the power of nonverbal communication, deep listening, and compassion
- Understand the emotional impact of being believed when coming out as LGBTQ+
- Learn why “just trying” can change someone’s entire day
- Discover how inclusive schools, small gestures, and language access ripple into lifelong healing
Press play now to hear Maria’s powerful story and walk away with renewed commitment to connection over perfection.
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.
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