#169 | 3 Ways Perfectionism Derails the Practice of LGBTQ Allyship & How Parents Can Show Up With Courage

Pride Month Series | More Human. More Kind. with Heather Hester

In this episode of Five Lessons from Parenting with Pride, Heather explores the myth of “getting it right” in parenting and allyship and why perfection isn’t the goal. Instead, she reframes both as daily, intentional practices rooted in humility, presence, and love. If you’ve ever felt stuck in silence for fear of saying the wrong thing, this episode will leave you feeling seen, empowered, and ready to move forward, messy and human.

Plus: a listener “Queer-y” on the evolution of LGBTQ+ terminology, and why the order of the letters actually matters.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why fear of imperfection keeps us from showing up
• How allyship and parenting are ongoing practices, not destinations
• What authentic progress actually looks like (hint: it’s not about getting it “right”)
• How to model repair, reflection, and growth in real time
• The inclusive history behind the shift from GLBT to LGBTQIA+

Listener Queer-y:

"Does the order of LGBTQ matter and how has it changed over time?"

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Let go of the need to be perfect. You’ll never know everything, and that’s okay.
2. Allyship is a practice. Keep showing up, especially when it’s uncomfortable.
3. Model repair and growth. Your child learns how to be human by watching you be human.

🌈 Celebrate Pride with Us in The Kind Space!

This Pride Month, you’re invited to join a community rooted in compassion, connection, and meaningful allyship:

💛 The Kind Space 💛

It’s where the More Human. More Kind. podcast comes to life and where we breathe deeper into what it means to show up for one another, especially our LGBTQ+ loved ones.

In honor of Pride, all new members receive:

✨ 50% off your first month of membership

📘 A signed copy of Parenting with Pride: a heart-centered guide to unlearning bias, embracing your LGBTQ+ child, and leading with love

Inside The Kind Space, you'll find:

🌀 Private podcast episodes

🌿 Bonus content, reflections, and guided practices

💬 LIVE monthly calls to answer your questions

💛 A safe, welcoming community of thoughtful, brave humans - just like you

This is the month to lean in. To stand up. To love out loud.

And to remember: You don’t have to do it alone.

👉 Join The Kind Space (use code B8318)

✨ Bonus:

Take the free quiz to discover your Ally Superpower!

👉 What Kind of Ally Are You?

Reflection Questions:

• What’s one way perfectionism has held you back from fully showing up?
• Where could you allow yourself to be “good enough” instead of flawless?
• What’s one small action you could take this week to move forward, even imperfectly?

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.

Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m...