#179 | Why Saying “LGBTQ Isn’t for Kids” Is Dangerous: Challenging a Harmful Narrative

Ever heard someone say “LGBTQ isn’t for kids”? Whether in a school board meeting or family gathering, that phrase may sound protective, but it’s doing real harm.

In this bold and heartfelt episode, Heather breaks down one of the most dangerous narratives affecting LGBTQ+ youth today. You’ll learn how the idea that queer identities are “inappropriate” or “too adult” for kids not only erases real children, it creates lasting harm. And you’ll get tools to replace shame with truth, silence with conversation, and fear with love.

• Understand the real impact of LGBTQ+ erasure on kids’ mental health and self-worth
• Discover how inclusive language, books, and visibility create safer, kinder environments
• Learn how to challenge this narrative with courage, compassion, and concrete action

Press play to explore how you can protect LGBTQ+ youth - not by shielding them from identity, but by celebrating the truth of who they are.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Books for younger audiences:

• Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall (gender identity)
• Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love (gender expression)
• It Feels Good to Be Yourself by Theresa Thorn (gender identity)
• And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson (two-dad family)

Books for middle grades and YA audiences:

• Alan Cole is Not a Coward and Alan Cole Doesn’t Dance by Eric Bell
• A High Five for Glenn Burke by Phil Bildner
• King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender
• The Queen Bees of Tybee County by Kyle Casey Chu
• Amelia, If Only by Becky Albertalli
• I Can’t Even Think Straight by Dean Atta
• Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian

Educational orgs to follow:

• Welcoming Schools (by HRC) – welcomingschools.org
• GLSEN – glsen.org
• Gender Spectrum – genderspectrum.org

Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!

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At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ+ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and foster courageous, compassionate connection.

If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action.

Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in—I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey.

More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen explores connection, courage, and community for every concerned parent, mom, or ally navigating fear, grief, and bigotry with hope, resilience, and empathy. Through open-minded education, inclusive parenting guidance, and advocacy for mental health and safety, we support LGBTQ youth and stand for human rights and social justice. More Human. More Kind. empowers listeners to shift their mindset, embrace activism and allyship, and lead with kindness, healing, and purpose.