More Human More Kind: Parenting and Ally Skills to Advocate for Your LGBTQ+ Teen with Love and Confidence – Détails, épisodes et analyse

This episode delves into the importance of self-care amidst the chaos of modern life. Heather emphasizes the need to step back from overwhelming news cycles and political unrest, urging listeners to focus on personal rejuvenation and inner work. A central theme is the power of community and connection, particularly among women who are inspiring each other through shared experiences and resilience. The discussion transitions to a heartfelt introduction of Aransas Savas, a well-being and leadership coach, who shares her unique journey and approach to coaching that marries science with energy work. Aransas explains her podcast, 'The Uplifters,' which celebrates women making positive impacts in their communities, showcasing stories of those who dare to challenge the status quo and lift each other up. Through compelling narratives, the episode captures the essence of collective strength, demonstrating how vulnerability can lead to empowerment and transformation. The stories shared highlight the critical role of supportive relationships in fostering bravery and purpose, making this episode a rich exploration of the intersection between personal growth and community impact.

Takeaways:

• Self-care is a continuous practice that requires daily attention and intention.
• Creating a brave space for children fosters trust and open communication in parenting.
• Women have the power to impact their communities and uplift one another through connection.
• Fear and doubt can coexist with courage; it's about how we respond to them.
• The Uplifters podcast aims to spotlight inspiring women and their powerful stories.
• Recognizing our needs and practicing self-awareness helps us show up better for others.

Connect with Aransas Savas: https://www.aransassavas.com/

Connect with Heather:

Join the Just Breathe Community on Patreon

Give a copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride.

Join Heather's *free* Substack weekly newsletter

Work with Heather one-on-one or bring her into your organization to speak or run a workshop!

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

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Mentioned in this episode:

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A powerful narrative unfolds as Heather delves into the emotional landscape of recent weeks, describing it as a time of turmoil and uncertainty. The podcast opens with a sincere inquiry into listeners' well-being, setting a tone of empathy and understanding. The heart of the discussion revolves around the stages of grief, emphasizing that acknowledging feelings of denial, anger, and depression is not only normal but necessary. Heather encourages listeners to take time to process these emotions and to seek healing in small, tangible ways. This segment serves as a reminder that vulnerability is a shared experience, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed.

Transitioning from personal reflection to broader societal concerns, the episode highlights the importance of being well-informed in a climate filled with misinformation. Heather advocates for seeking out reliable news sources, suggesting that independent journalism offers a clearer picture of the events shaping our world. By sharing her favorite outlets and podcasts, she empowers listeners to take control of their information consumption and avoid the chaos of sensationalized media. The advice to moderate news intake is particularly relevant, as it addresses the anxiety that excessive exposure to current events can cause.

The episode further explores the theme of connection by introducing 'Learning to Parent with Pride,' a course designed to equip parents with the tools to support their LGBTQ children. Each module of the course builds on the last, providing a comprehensive framework for fostering understanding and communication. This initiative aims to transform the parenting journey into one of empowerment and love, especially during challenging times. Heather's commitment to being a consistent source of support and knowledge for her audience shines through, as she reaffirms that listeners are not alone and encourages them to lean on one another for strength.

Takeaways:

• It's essential to acknowledge the five stages of grief to process tough times effectively.
• Rest and allow yourself the space to heal; it's okay to feel dismayed.
• Educate yourself with reliable sources to stay informed about current events.
• Limit your information intake to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the news cycle.
• Remember, the loudest voices are not necessarily the majority; stay grounded in the facts.
• Participate in supportive communities and courses to strengthen your parenting skills during uncertain times.

Links referenced in this episode:

• chrysalismama.com

Independent new sources mentioned in this episode:

• The Guardian
• ProPublica
• The Atlantic
• Politics Girl
• Pod Save America
• No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen

Connect with Heather:

Join the Just Breathe Community on Patreon

Give a copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride.

Join Heather's *free* Substack weekly newsletter

Work with Heather one-on-one or bring her into your organization to speak or run a workshop!

Please...

Join us as we welcome Eric Marcus, an acclaimed author and LGBTQ+ historian, who brings his deeply personal coming out story to the forefront. Together, we explore the emotional landscape of acceptance within families and the transformative power of advocacy, exemplified by his mother's pivotal role in co-founding the Queens chapter of PFLAG.

Our conversation takes a heartfelt look at the roots of LGBTQ advocacy, where Eric shares his encounters with the early gay rights movement and pioneering organizations like the Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis. You'll hear touching stories of Jean Manford and her son Morty, the co-founders of PFLAG, and their relentless dedication. The devastating impact of the AIDS crisis also comes to light, with deeply personal stories of loss and resilience from families like the Ashworths. Through these narratives, we gain a richer understanding of the socio-political climate of the 1980s and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ rights.

Eric also reflects on his accidental journey to becoming a historian, starting with an oral history book that evolved into the Making Gay History podcast. We'll discuss the challenges and emotional rewards of capturing these stories in print and audio, and how they continue to inspire educational initiatives. As we celebrate the resilience of the LGBTQ community, we emphasize the importance of passing the torch to future generations. Tune in for a powerful episode filled with personal reflections, historical insights, and a strong message of advocacy and unity.

Resources Mentioned:

Making Gay History Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-gay-history-lgbtq-oral-histories-from-the-archive/id1162447122

Stonewall 50 Consortium: https://stonewall50consortium.org/

American LGBTQ+ Museum: https://americanlgbtqmuseum.org/

About Eric Marcus:

Eric Marcus is the author of a dozen books, including two editions of Making Gay History (the original 1992 edition is entitled Making History), Why Suicide?, and Breaking the Surface, the #1 New York Times bestselling autobiography of Olympic diving champion Greg Louganis. Eric is also the co-producer of Those Who Were There, a podcast drawn from the Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies. He is the founder and chair emeritus of the Stonewall 50 Consortium and is a founding board member of the American LGBTQ+ Museum. Learn more about Eric in this NBC News profile.

Connect with Heather:

Join the Just Breathe Community on Patreon

Give a copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride....

In this episode, Heather interviews Rae McDaniel, founder of the online coaching community, The Gender Fck Club (awesome resources here), as well as Practical Audacity, a gender and sex therapy practice in Chicago.  They have been featured in The New York Times, Refinery29, and Women's Health.

Rae ultimately believes that gender transitions can be an exciting time filled with exploration and self-discovery. They are on a mission to build a world where gender transitions are celebrated just like having a baby, landing a new job, or getting married.

Rae shares:

* Their experience of coming out as queer to unsupportive parents in rural Louisiana, and their journey to finding a supportive community.

* What it means to be transgender and non-binary, including a primer on trans-affirming language and the gender spectrum.

* Their advice to parents who want to be supportive but are afraid of making a mistake.

* How your teen can find joy in their transition amid the reality that they may face rejection.

**HUGE apologies for the poor quality of the initial intro - hang on for the 20 seconds or so, it gets better!**

Connect with Heather:

Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com

For the Language of LGBTQIA+ E-book, visit: https://learnwith.chrysalismama.com/book  

Digital Coming Out Course for Parents - Text Ally to 55444 to get Heather's "My kid just came out and I'm freaking out!" Toolkit!

In this episode, Heather interviews Richard Capriola, author of The Addicted Child: A Parent’s Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse. Richard has over two decades of experience working with adults and adolescents diagnosed with substance abuse disorders. The book includes an explanation of how drugs work in the teen brain, warning signs every parent should know about, what assessments and tests are important for a diagnosis and much more. This interview is a great primer for substance use and abuse!

Click HERE to visit Richard's website for more information.

Connect with Heather:

Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com

For the Language of LGBTQIA+ E-book, visit: https://learnwith.chrysalismama.com/book  

Digital Coming Out Course for Parents - Text Ally to 55444 to get Heather's "My kid just came out and I'm freaking out!" Toolkit!

Heather responds to a listener's question about how to handle someone who is non-affirming with a tip and an example-filled "101" episode.

She discusses the importance of word choice, gives several general tips, and three detailed examples based on the listener's situation, how to respond to a Christian family member or friend, and how to handle those who are homophobic.

Heather references three powerful resources:

Queer Theology

Nathanial Totten Green blog

letter on PFLAG

Connect with Heather:

Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com

For the Language of LGBTQIA+ E-book, visit: https://learnwith.chrysalismama.com/book  

Digital Coming Out Course for Parents - Text Ally to 55444 to get Heather's "My kid just came out and I'm freaking out!" Toolkit!

This short episode packs a punch! Heather candidly shares some recent experiences and her thoughts on hard days, as well as the serendipitous discovery of an article by one of her favorite thought leaders, Brene Brown.

HERE is a link to Ms. Brown's website and HERE is a link to one of her podcasts, Unlocking Us.

Heather also shares a mini-lesson on self-compassion, using an incredible resource from Positive Psychology as a guide. HERE is a helpful daily checklist!

Connect with Heather:

Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com

For the Language of LGBTQIA+ E-book, visit: https://learnwith.chrysalismama.com/book  

Digital Coming Out Course for Parents - Text Ally to 55444 to get Heather's "My kid just came out and I'm freaking out!" Toolkit!

In this episode, Heather interviews author and speaker, Britt East. While Britt's book, "A Gay Man's Guide to Life," is written for gay men by a gay man - it is an engaging, informative read that really sheds light on understanding gay men for those of us who are raising one!

Heather and Britt discuss societal homophobia, sustainable gay friendships, hook-up apps, and so much more! Britt offers meaningful advice for those of us who love and/or are raising LGBTQ kids:

"When you ask 'What can I do?' ask instead, 'Who can I be?'"

In one of the most powerful segments, Heather and Britt  discussed the importance of modeling our humanity,

 "...find a path to set down your trauma and heal so they can witness that healing in you, and thereby heal part of themselves..."

To gain a better understanding of the LGBTQ+ experience, Britt recommends brushing up on your LGBTQ history. Here are a few books to get you started:

The Gay Agenda

The Book of Pride

The Right Side of History

Learn more about Britt HERE

Connect with Heather:

Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com

For the Language of LGBTQIA+ E-book, visit: https://learnwith.chrysalismama.com/book  

Digital Coming Out Course for Parents - Text Ally to 55444 to get Heather's "My kid just came out and I'm freaking out!" Toolkit!

In this episode, Heather responds to a listener's request for more information on changes during the coming-out process. She approaches her answer from two angles:

1. reviewing the stages of the coming out process

2. sharing specific instances from her family's experience

Connor and Steve weigh in as well with thoughtful responses from two very different perspectives.

Connect with Heather:

Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com

For the Language of LGBTQIA+ E-book, visit: https://learnwith.chrysalismama.com/book  

Digital Coming Out Course for Parents - Text Ally to 55444 to get Heather's "My kid just came out and I'm freaking out!" Toolkit!

In this episode, Heather interviews life coach Kevin Nahai. Faced with extraordinary mental health and physical health challenges as a teen and young adult, Kevin tried many paths before digging into and healing the roots of his struggles. Through his journey, he created his own approach and methodology for whole-body wellness.  He is now a coach for young adults working with them on:

* self-esteem and confidence

* body image

* anxiety and depression

* dating and relationships

His quest is bridging the gap between what we know in our heads and feel in our hearts.

Kevin shares so many wonderful nuggets that can help all of us on our journeys!

You can find Kevin through Instagram @KevinNahai

Connect with Heather:

Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com

For the Language of LGBTQIA+ E-book, visit: https://learnwith.chrysalismama.com/book  

Digital Coming Out Course for Parents - Text Ally to 55444 to get Heather's "My kid just came out and I'm freaking out!" Toolkit!