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Advocating for

ALL

LGBTQIA2+ People

  • For our CHILDREN, it's our heart's desire

  • For our STUDENTS, it's our passion

  • For our CO-WORKERS, it's our quest to better humanity

Providing Education and Coaching for Parents, Allies, Corporations, and Schools

Just Breathe, You Are Not Alone

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.

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:

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? 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 mental health to all things LGBTQ+, the Chrysalis Mama blog is a space to learn, grow, and become empowered.

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The Power of Advocacy

October 12, 20222 min read

Our voices can and DO make a difference. Education makes a difference. Compassion makes a difference.” - Heather Hester

I had the distinct honor of being a member of the panel discussion for PFLAG of Northern Illinois’ Fall Conference on October 8. The theme of this year’s event was “The Power of Advocacy.” This a perfect theme as our voices is needed now more than ever.

Prior to the panel discussion, which concluded the day, we heard from several speakers from Howard Brown and Equality Illinois as well as those who shared moving personal stories. The common thread? Alarming statistics and a call for continued (dare I say increased?) advocacy.

rainbow

Here are just a few:

  • More than 300 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced in state capitals across the country this year.

  • The Dobbs decision created a dangerously slippery slope for reproductive, LGBTQIA+, and human rights in general.

  • Anti-LGBTQIA+ harassment and discrimination are once again on the rise.

  • Books are being banned from schools and libraries around the country at an increasing rate.

There is hate, hostility, and fear. There is misinformation, manipulation, and more fear.

However, I walked away from this conference with HOPE, and I know for certain I was not the only one.

Our voices can and DO make a difference. Education makes a difference. Compassion makes a difference.

As I listened to the stories of the other advocates on the panel whose words for the day were: hopeful, resilient, connector, wavemaker, grassroots activist, renaissance woman, and embrace, I felt re-invigorated to keep pressing forward.

While being an advocate can certainly be in the grand wide-reaching movements; more often than not, it is found in the small, everyday moments. The conversations, the kind corrections, the non-judgmental curiosity offered instead of a harsh comeback.

A Lesson and Motivation:

Each one of us can be an advocate. Think of one small thing you can do today and commit to it in the comments. It is an honor to be on this journey with you!

advocatelgbtqpflagparenting

Heather Hester

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What people are saying...

LOVE THIS PODCAST!! 🙌🏼🌈

I was searching for resources to be the best supportive mom I could be to my pre-teen (now teen) and found this amazing podcast! It was just what I needed! I knew I needed some guidance from a parent who had experience through a similar journey and Heather was there with perfect content and even talked with me personally through email. The community Heather has built through this podcast and Facebook page has given me the confidence to not be fearful through this journey but rather to embrace it and encourage my teen to be their authentic self!

~ Lauren Bo21, Apple Podcast

I have loved and admired you and your family for over 30 years now. But the honor I have always felt to call you a friend truly quadrupled yesterday after listening to your podcasts. Every word was true and authentic, and real, and beautiful-even those that made me cry to the point where I had to pause for a bit before continuing.

I know the last few years have been pure hell. Yet somehow you, Steve, and your kids somehow managed to navigate it with grace, dignity, love, vulnerability, and acceptance. I am in awe of each of you...you are showing the world how beautiful life can be if we find a way to embrace it and breathe. Thanks to all of you for sharing your story and resources-it WILL make a difference for so many others.

~ S. Geidner

When I was Connor's age, I don't think Ellen DeGeneres was out yet. The world has changed so much since that time. I'm glad I'm alive to see it. I find myself cheering on parents like Heather who are willing to step out of their own comfort zone and reputations to stand by LGBTQ children and love us - out loud! This is such an important show [the podcast]. BIG LOVE for this courageous family in the Midwest! Yay YOU!

~ J. SluMac

Powerful, profound, so needed... What a breath of fresh air this show [the podcast] is. So many LGBTQ people, especially youth, struggle with the devastating impact of faith-based family rejection. Parents are searching for a better way. A way to love their LGBTQ child without compromising their faith. It takes opening what box you have God in - thank you for helping people do that! What a gift this podcast is!

~ R. Cottrell

I love your raw, real vulnerability. I am brand new on this journey and stumbled accidentally across your podcast on a road trip. I listened for 8 hours of driving and didn’t want to get to my destination because I wanted more. Using your own journey to help and support other parents is so brave and I am grateful to you and your family. Connor is so fortunate to have you ❤️

~ Anonymous

Your centered, calming voice and demeanor help me to feel more peaceful. I experience you as therapeutic & your journey gives me more hope that we can love [our son] well. Thank you for giving your life away to me through sharing your story and the guests you interview.

~ Anonymous

This podcast will help you feel safe - calm and loving

This podcast is truly something everyone needs in the coming out journey. Listen in for a reassuring dose of Heather's loving expertise!

~ CandyMot, Apple Podcasts

This podcast was unbelievably helpful. The frank discussion and honesty -completely helped me begin my journey with my son and I have shared this podcast with everyone in our family Truly look forward to more episodes.

~ Blueflip via Podchaser

Amazing!!! This is so incredibly well done and your thoughtful approach is undoubtedly helping tons of families. What you’re doing truly matters! Your son is lucky to have you and vice versa ;)! Thank you for sharing w us!

~ NickPe13, Apple Podcasts

Helped so much!! I have learned so much and feel so much less alone after listening! Thanks so much!!

~ TSwynacht, Apple Podcasts

Must-Listen! This podcast is a must-listen for those wanting to learn how to best help the LGBTQ teen or young adult in their life. Heather is a thoughtful host who offers great information and support. Such a great podcast with great information!

~ DrMMcNally, Apple Podcasts

Thank you. Exactly what this momma needed.

~ zbkai189, Apple Podcasts

Right on ... so needed. Heather is real, relatable, thoughtful, educated, and inclusive of every teen parent scenario in her talks. I love being able to hear first hand from someone who has gone through the “Valley of Darkness” and come out the other side a better person, informed, and able to help others right where they are.

~ MrsWeiselNMS, Apple Podcast

Eager to get into this. Thank you for clarifying that it's not just for parents. I think anyone involved in raising a child even if that's just part of an extended support community should have access to these resources.

~ Cameron Jones, Castbox

Attn Parents! Listen, absorb, learn, and breathe thru this podcast. So helpful us (child and parents) as we go thru this journey together.

~ Mom or them!, Apple Podcasts

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