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.
Trans Positive Short Film PACEMAKER | Trans Awareness | Chrysalis Mama
Trans-Positive Short Film PACEMAKER
Pacemaker, a trans-positive animated musical short film, is scheduled for release on digital platforms on November 14, coinciding with Transgender Awareness Week. The poignant and impactful film is now available on Vimeo and YouTube.
Pacemaker stars Alex Newell, the 2023 Tony Award winner for "Shucked," the first non-binary actor to win a Tony Award, and Philip Lawrence, a multi-Grammy Award winner. The film tells a heartwarming story of a grandfather's journey toward acceptance of his trans grandson.
Composer Christopher Lennertz wrote the original song that threads the narrative and authored the screenplay. His inspiration derives from his personal experience with his trans son, who also provided valuable consultation on the film's storyline. Brian Vincent Rhodes (Spies in Disguise) shares the co-director's seat with Lennertz.
Pacemaker is executive produced by ND Stevenson, the creator and writer of Nimona. Animation veterans Darlene Caamaño Loquet (Fox, Nickelodeon) and Magdiela Hermida Duhamel (Pixar) produced the film alongside Alex Bedford and Ben Parkin from A Running Commentary, or A.R.C, in London. Vincent Rhodes also served as the Story Artist on the film.
The film has garnered accolades from the Stamped Film Festival, LGBTQ+ Toronto Film Festival, Indie Short Fest, and IndieX Film Fest. The film's original song, "Rhythm Of My Heart," composed by Lennertz and performed by Alex Newell and Philip Lawrence, recently received a nomination for Best Song in a Short Film from the Hollywood Music In Media Awards.
Lennertz shared his thoughts on the film, stating, "This film is a love letter to my own family's journey towards understanding and accepting the identities and purposes of all individuals. Inspired by my son Tobi and our shared love for classic animated musicals, we set out to create a film that captures the essence of beloved classics but delivers a fresh message of love and pride for families within the LGBTQIA+ community and the world. Love emerges victorious when we follow the rhythm of our hearts."
Pacemaker Trailer: here
Original Song: “Rhythm Of My Heart”: here
YouTube here
Vimeo here
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
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
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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