I Unlearned Bias to Truly Love My LGBTQ+ Child

How do you navigate the unexpected when your child comes out as LGBTQ+, which completely redefines your understanding of their world? For Heather Hester, the journey began in 2017 when her 16-year-old son came out as gay. What followed was a raw, transformative period marked by intense mental health struggles and substance use issues, forcing Heather to confront and unlearn bias inherited from her conservative, evangelical background.This is more than a coming-out story—it’s an urgent call to action for every parent and ally quietly searching for a shame-free space to navigate similar experiences.In this vital conversation, we sit down with Heather Hester—author of Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen—to explore her family’s evolution and how grief transformed into healing and rebirth. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR ABOUT THINGS LIKE:The essential difference between acknowledging and embracing a new reality.The profound ways grief can surface in parenting, and how to work through its non-linear layers.The four transformations (Embrace, Educate/Unlearn, Empower, and Love) that purposefully guide parents toward fully supporting and loving their LGBTQ+ child.How to let go of fear and choose to lead with humanity, becoming a catalyst for change in your own community.WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt292w1bVlY&list=PL7judgDzhkAWmfyB5r5WgFD6ahombBvohLearn how her family became freer and more fun after removing the constraints of who they "should be," proving that when you commit to healing, joy follows.🏳️‍🌈 Grab your copy of Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen—available now on Amazon or Bookshop.org and start building a more supportive, affirming relationship with your teen today. Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/93249/9781641709125Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dFTzP8Join Heather's Substack for stories, reflection, and practical insight, and explore what it means to become more human and more kind in our relationships, our families, and our communities.: https://heatherhester.substack.com/about ---✨ Grief & Rebirth: Healing Resources & Tools ✨🎧 Irene's Books (Including a Free Audiobook!)They Serve Bagels in Heaven—Irene’s heartfelt story of love and life beyond.Listen Free on Audible as a First Time User: https://amzn.to/4dG4l4wGet the Paperback or Hard copy: https://amzn.to/3XrE995📚 Embrace Life’s Third ChapterGood to the Last Drop—A powerful anthology on aging with purpose: https://amzn.to/3VJgEa5🛍️ Healing & Self-Care PicksCurated books and essentials from Irene: https://www.amazon.com/shop/irenesweinberg📚 Grief & Rebirth BookshopBooks by podcast guests for healing & wisdom: https://bookshop.org/shop/griefandrebirth🎙️ Podcast & CommunityInspiring stories of transformation on the Grief and Rebirth website: https://griefandrebirth.com📱 Stay ConnectedSubscribe to Grief and Rebirth on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOSDru2EU1djRZaZxxFkMig?sub_confirmation=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irenesweinbergFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/IreneSWeinbergTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@irenesweinberg🎥 Irene’s Spiritual Awakening StoryWatch how the podcast began: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0mJWKfg5PM🎙️ Be a Podcast GuestHave a story or healing work to share?Apply Here: https://ireneweinberg.com/be-on-the-podcast/📰 NewsletterGet updates, tips, and new episodes by signing up to the Grief and Rebirth Substack: https://substack.com/@griefandrebirth💖 Affiliate DisclaimerSome links may earn us a commission. We only share trusted, personally recommended resources.