All Episodes

July 18, 2025 16 mins

Are you watching headlines and wondering, “How is this even possible?” You’re not alone. What’s happening is no longer theoretical, it's personal.

In this urgent and grounding episode, Heather takes us beyond the headlines into the real-world consequences of anti-LGBTQ+ laws, court rulings, and systemic rollbacks of civil rights. Humanity is being politicized. This moment isn’t just about policies, it’s about people, especially LGBTQ+ youth who are being stripped of protections, care, and safety. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, outraged, or uncertain about what to do next, this episode is your guide to clarity and action.

  • Get the facts on how federal and state-level changes are impacting LGBTQ+ youth in real time
  • Understand the connection between religious exemptions, civil rights erosion, and systemic harm
  • Learn 5 powerful ways you can take action to protect democracy, dignity, and LGBTQ+ lives starting now

Press play to move from overwhelmed to empowered, and discover how to speak up, show up, and stand firm in this critical moment for LGBTQ+ rights and human dignity.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Organizations to follow or support:


Voices to follow for updates & analysis:

  • Erin Reed (@ErinInTheMorn)
  • Alejandra Caraballo (@Esqueer_)
  • Letter from an American (Heather Cox Richardson)
  • Pod Save America podcast
  • The Trevor Project for youth-focused data

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

Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride.

Influence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.

Find out what kind of ally you are!

Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!

Connect heather@heatherhester.net

Join the Kind Space on Patreon

Leave a message or voicemail

Book a call!

Watch on

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.