Episode 100

Our Family's Transformation through Openness

Welcome to a special celebration on Just Breathe. It's our 100th episode!!!

Tune in as I'm joined by my husband Steve, son Connor, and daughter Gray, to reflect on the journey our family has taken over the last six and a half years. We'll be sharing insights into the changes we've experienced, how our family dynamic has shifted to a more relaxed and open state, and the maturity growth we've seen in ourselves. We'll also touch on how this openness has made growing up easier for my daughter Gray and how important conversations can take place without fear of judgment.

Our conversation will also cover our shifting perspectives on social issues, particularly our evolving understanding of queerness. You'll hear about the importance of openness to new viewpoints, compromise, and how our experiences and environments have shaped our identities.

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Email: hh@chrysalismama.com

As we navigate the topic of coming out and supporting family, we'll share advice for families with children coming out and discuss the potential impact of educating children about queerness from a young age.

Join us as we take a retrospective look at our journey of growth, acceptance, and mutual support.

About the Podcast

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Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen
With Host Heather Hester

About your host

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Heather Hester

Heather Hester is the founder of Chrysalis Mama which provides support and education to parents and allies of LGBTQIA adolescents, teenagers, and young adults. She is also the creator/host of the Top 1% podcast Just Breathe: Parenting your LGBTQ Teen. As an advocate and coach, she believes the coming out process is equal parts beautiful and messy. She works with her clients to let go of fear and feelings of isolation so that they can reconnect with themselves and their children with awareness and compassion. Heather also works within organizations via specialized programming to bring education and empowerment with a human touch. She is delighted to announce that her first book is out in the world as of May 2024 - Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen. Married to the funniest guy she’s ever known and the mother of four extraordinary kids (two of whom are LGBTQ) and one sassy mini bernedoodle, Heather believes in being authentic and embracing the messiness. You can almost always find her with a cup coffee nearby whether she’s at her computer, on her yoga mat, or listening to her favorite music.