Why So Many Parents Miss the Silent Phase of LGBTQ Identity — And How to Be the Ally Your Teen Needs

Click Here to Get Your Guide: Decode the Silence

Is your teen unusually quiet, withdrawn, or different, and you’re wondering what’s really going on beneath the surface?

For many LGBTQ teens, the process of coming out begins in total silence, long before they have the words to express who they are. In this powerful episode, Heather Hester shares essential guidance for parents to recognize what’s really happening, and how to become a true ally before a single word is spoken.

1. Learn the 9 subtle signs your LGBTQ teen may be struggling with identity and what those signals really mean
2. Discover how to respond with calm presence, so your child feels emotionally safe and supported
3. Become the inclusive parent and ally your teen needs during the silent phase of coming out

If you’re ready to show up with inclusion, guidance, and love, even in silence, press play now and take your first step toward being the ally your teen is hoping for.

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 grow their capacity for courageous, compassionate connection.

For parents, allies, and those 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 is a safe and supportive podcast for parents and allies and space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals while addressing grief, boundaries, education, diversity, human rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, social justice, and the power of love and human kindness through a lens of ally support and community engagement.