EMBRACE • EDUCATE • EMPOWER • LOVE
Solidarity • Advocacy • Empowerment
For all LGBTQIA2+ Individuals + Families, Organizations, and Schools through
Coaching, Consulting, and Education
AS SEEN IN
Podcast
EPISODE 78:WHEN YOUR LGBTQIA+ LOVED ONE FACES NON-AFFIRMING FOLKS DURING THE HOLIDAYS
DISCOVER CHRYSALIS MAMA
Transforming the Conversation
Hi, my name is Heather Hester. Welcome to Chrysalis Mama.
You have probably landed on this page because your child or a loved one (grandchild? niece? friend?) has recently come out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or another sexual orientation or gender identity and you are looking for resources and tools. I know the joys and challenges of parenting an LGBTQ child.
Or, maybe you’re here because your company or organization is looking for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) speakers or consulting. I can help you with that!
Don’t panic. Take a deep breath. You are in the right place. I’ve been where you are. I’ve felt the shock, the joy, the terror, the growth, the unconditional love, the fierce mama bear response. It’s A LOT! And, it can be challenging to find support, guidance, resources, and education. That’s why I’m here.
Chrysalis Mama is the product of our family’s journey with depression, anxiety, and embracing our son, who, among many wonderful traits, is gay. It is my desire to pass on valuable information and offer support to those who are on a similar journey of loving and raising an LGBTQ+ child.
My mission is to transform the conversation around embracing, education, empowering, and loving LGBTQIA+ adolescents, teenagers, and young adults.
You may be asking – how do we change this conversation? I believe it starts within each one of us, blossoms within our families, and then grows within our communities and beyond. My principles are simple yet effective – To embrace, educate, empower, and love.
I am grateful for this opportunity to connect with parents, allies, advocates, and all who are, among all of their many wonderful traits, LGBTQ!
Nestled in this site you will find:
My award-winning podcast, Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen
An in-depth blog
Resources, including a glossary and mental health support
Details on the keynote and workshop speaking opportunities I offer
Multiple other ways to connect and learn!
PODCAST
Do you have a child, teen, or young adult who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or another sexual orientation or gender identity?
Do you feel alone in your effort to support them on their journey or navigate your own?
Do you want to learn how to make your work environment more inclusive and well-informed?
Using a combination of solo episodes on in-depth topics and interviews with fascinating guests. Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ+ Teen helps calm you, educate you, inspire you, and support you on this beautifully unpredictable journey.
BLOG
Covering topics ranging from the LGBTQ+ coming out process to mental health to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in corporate spaces - the Chrysalis Mama blog is a space to learn, grow, and become empowered.
Insights on LGBTQ+ Ally | Jeannie Gainsburg | Chrysalis Mama
The fight for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over. While significant progress has been made in recent years, there is still much work to be done in terms of promoting acceptance and inclusion for all members of the LGBTQ+ community. This is where Jeannie Gainsburg comes in. As an award-winning educational trainer and consultant, Jeannie is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and effective allyship. Here are a few insights from my podcast interview with Jeannie where she discusses the second edition of her book, The Savvy Ally, and offers advice on becoming a skilled advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
Understanding LGBTQ+ Terminology
One of the most important aspects of being a skilled LGBTQ+ ally is understanding the terminology. Jeannie stresses the importance of using the right language when talking about LGBTQ+ issues. For example, using the correct pronouns when referring to someone can make a huge difference in helping them feel respected and valued. Jeannie also reminds us that the LGBTQ+ community is diverse and intersectional, so it's important not to make assumptions about people's sexual orientation or gender identity.
Building Relationships with the LGBTQ+ Community
Another key aspect of effective allyship is building relationships with members of the LGBTQ+ community. Jeannie recommends seeking out local LGBTQ+ organizations and events and attending them to learn more about the community. It's also important to listen to and learn from LGBTQ+ people and their experiences. By building strong relationships with the LGBTQ+ community, allies can better understand their needs and how to support them.
Taking Action to Support LGBTQ+ Rights
While understanding terminology and building relationships are important, action is ultimately what creates change. Jeannie emphasizes the importance of taking action on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. This can include advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, speaking out against discrimination and prejudice, and supporting LGBTQ+ organizations financially. This is incredibly important right now with dangerous bills being proposed and voted on across the nation, threatening all LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender people.
Jeannie Gainsburg's insights on becoming a skilled LGBTQ+ advocate offer valuable advice for parents and teenagers looking to support the LGBTQ+ community. From understanding terminology to taking action and building relationships, effective allyship requires ongoing effort and dedication. By following Jeannie's advice and committing to long-term allyship, we can all help create a more inclusive and accepting world for the LGBTQ+ community. Listen to the complete interview here: https://chrysalismama.com/podcast.
Loving and raising an LGBTQ+ child is a very special journey that comes with very specific joys and challenges. It is vital - not to mention time, money, and potentially life saving - to work with someone who has traveled a similar path.
Here is why - in additional to the benefits of that person's life experience and the knowledge that comes along with it, you also get empathy, validation, and someone who can hold space for you.
Looking for a speaker or presenter on the topic of LGBTQ youth or allyship for your organization or event? You're in the right place!
I have intense life experience on the topic coupled with hundreds of hours consulting with professionals.
Audiences appreciate my raw and empathetic approach.
Parents and allies appreciate the relevant information and stories that provide them with education, tools, and strategies as well as the knowledge that they are not alone!
WORK WITH ME
You are likely on this page because your child or a loved one has recently come out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or another sexual orientation or gender identity and you are looking for resources and tools. I know the joys and challenges of parenting an LGBTQ child.
Or, maybe you’re here because your company or organization is looking for someone
to lead LGBTQ+ Allyship workshops or speaking events. I can help you with that!
Don’t panic. Take a deep breath. You are in the right place. I’ve been where you are. I’ve felt the shock, the joy, the terror, the growth, the unconditional love, the fierce mama bear response. It’s A LOT! And, it can be challenging to find support, guidance, resources, and education. That’s why I’m here.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT HEATHER
ABOUT
CONTACT
Looking for tips, tools, and strategies along with a little peace of mind? I invite you into the Chrysalis world!
I am grateful for all who have asked how they can help further this mission!
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