EMBRACE • EDUCATE • EMPOWER • LOVE
SPEAKING
If you are in need of a speaker or presenter on the topic of LGBTQ youth or allyship for your organization or event you're in the right place. What makes me different from others?
I have intense life experience on the topic coupled with hundreds of hours working with and learning from professionals in fields ranging from mental health and LGBTQ education to parenting and relationships.
Audiences appreciate my willingness to share with vulnerability, to inspire curiosity, and encourage empathy.
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!
I have the versitility to present virtually and in person.
TOPICS
How to Support Your LGBTQ Child
Why I talk about this topic
The spectrum of reactions to your child coming out
The stages of coming out
The ten best ways to support your child when they come out
Quick tips on processing
How to Be Good LGBTQ+ Allies
What is an ally?
Facing, healing, and letting go of biases, subconscious or otherwise
How we can be good allies right now
What allyship in the workplace looks like
How we can teach out kids to be good allies
Additional topic suggestions
How to interact with non-affirming people without drama
The Language of LGBTQIA+
Redefining compassion and inclusion in capitalism
LGBTQIA+ equity and solidarity from the inside out
There's a process for parents, too!
Why Hire Me?
My book, Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen (Familius Publishing, May 2024) provides credibility and is a fabulous resource.
My podcast, Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen sits in the top 1.5% of all podcasts worldwide and has consistently published new content since October 2019.
I have virtual and in-person experience with different types of audience audiences.
I welcome the opportunity to interact with your audience, hold Q&A sessions, and facilitate breakout rooms for deeper discussion.
Speaker One Sheet
Client List
Testimonials
Canadian National Railways
Heather was a passionate and informed speaker on the topic of LGBTQ2S parenting. Heather shares her personal and professional experience through family storytelling and is able to connect to the audience in this candid way. Heather provided thoughtful and supportive feedback to parents’ questions and employees shared positive feedback after her informative session. ~Kallie Jackson, CN PRIDE ERG Co-Chair
Avoca School District
...From introducing parents and guardians to accurate nomenclature, to modeling language to use with their kids, to recalling her own missteps as a parent, at every step in her presentation and dialogue with our parents and guardians, Heather's authenticity shone through, immediately making her feel trusting and trustworthy, and thereby creating a safe space for caregivers to share their own struggles and to ask questions... ~Kaine Osburn, Superintendent
Odyssey Teen Camp
I am very happy to know that Heather is available to serve as a resource for parents of LGBTQ+ kids, and really to any parents at all. Everyone talks about being "inclusive", but Heather lives it. Heather is able to accept whatever comes her way and use the power of unconditional love and kindness to turn challenges into gifts. We can all learn a lot from Heather. ~Adam Simon, Executive Director
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!
