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

Target and Rainbow Capitalism: What Does It Mean For The LGBTQ+ Community

Target and Rainbow Capitalism: What Does It Mean For The LGBTQ+ Community

Heather Hester shares her Fox News Digital interview and takes the conversation deeper regarding Target's missteps and rainbow capitalism. ...more

LGBTQ+ Experience

June 05, 20233 min read

Becoming a Skilled LGBTQ+ Ally: Insight with Jeannie Gainsburg

Becoming a Skilled LGBTQ+ Ally: Insight with Jeannie Gainsburg

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 membe... ...more

LGBTQ+ Experience

May 29, 20232 min read

How to Handle Non-Affirming Folks (And Other Crises!) During The Holidays

How to Handle Non-Affirming Folks (And Other Crises!) During The Holidays

Support for LGBTQ+ families during the holidays. Parenting LGBTQ kids. ...more

LGBTQ+ Experience

December 19, 202210 min read

How to Protect LGBTQ+ Youth From Bullying |

How to Protect LGBTQ+ Youth From Bullying |

Protecting our youth should be imperative for any parent, teacher, and/or any decent human being. Protecting LGBTQ+ Youth comes with a wide range of additional challenges including bullying, mental he... ...more

LGBTQ+ Experience

December 19, 20227 min read

The Power of Advocacy

The Power of Advocacy

A look at the Northern Illinois PFLAG Fall Conference, The Power of Advocacy. How can being an advocate positively affect all LGBTQ lives? ...more

LGBTQ+ Experience

October 12, 20222 min read

What To Expect in the Years Following Coming Out of the Closet

What To Expect in the Years Following Coming Out of the Closet

What can you expect after coming out of the closet as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer? Pronouns, LGBTQIA+, Pride, Gender Inclusivity ...more

LGBTQ+ Experience

September 28, 20227 min read

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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