#103 | 6 Ways Parents Can Be Allies When Their LGBTQ Child Comes Out: Courage, Guidance & Healing
More Human More Kind: Guidance for Parents & Allies of LGBTQ Teens · Heather Hester | Advocate for Parents of LGBTQ Teens
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Show Notes
Get ready for an intense journey of self-discovery and healing as we welcome David Devore, a psychotherapist and wellness coach. Listen in as David unravels his personal spiritual journey, shedding light on the struggles of coming to terms with his queer identity and how internalized homophobia and shame were affecting his life. His transformative experience has equipped him to work effectively with the LGBTQIA community, offering insights and support from a place of empathy and understanding.
We also focus on the importance of parental support for queer children. Our conversation with David delves into the complexities of shame, religion, and LGBTQ+ children, highlighting the potential damage the heteronormative narrative of religion can cause. We stress the significance of creating a safe and supportive space for children to express their identity, the role of education in fighting homophobia, and how parents can prepare themselves for this important conversation.
David discusses the significance of grace, understanding, and readiness to learn for parents navigating this sensitive terrain. Listen in to understand the potential effects of rejection, shunning ceremonies, and addiction that many queer youth face, and the immense power of support, acceptance, and open conversations. The profound connection between a parent and child can be maintained, despite the imperfections, as long as the conversation stays open and filled with love.
About our Guest:
David DeVore is a life coach specializing in the challenges of queer life such as coming out, internalized homophobia, and shame. David embarked upon a spiritual journey in his early 40s in response to midlife/existential crisis. He discovered that internalized homophobia and shame had been holding him back in all areas of his life, by negatively coloring the lens of his perspective. This cathartic moment ignited David's passion for the work he does with the LGBTQIA community today. David is a former masters level psychotherapist, and wellness coach. He enjoys hot yoba and meditation.
https://www.tiktok.com/@coachdevore
https://www.instagram.com/coachdevore/
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.
Takeaways:
- Coming out is a personal journey for each individual, not about others' expectations.
- Parents should approach their child's coming out with love, compassion, and openness.
- Recognizing and addressing one's own fears can help foster a supportive environment.
- Education about LGBTQIA+ experiences is crucial for parents to understand their children better.
- Internalized homophobia can deeply affect an individual's mental health and happiness.
- Creating a safe space for dialogue can strengthen the parent-child relationship during coming out.
More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast in a heartfelt and empowering space where a mom and advocate offers practical guidance and education to parents and allies, fostering empathy, kindness, love, and strong boundaries while supporting LGBTQ teens and the diverse LGBTQ community—including gay, lesiban, bisexual, trans, transgender, and queer individuals—through conversations about mental health, grief, gender identity, sexual orientation, human rights, social justice, parenting, parent support, and meaningful LGBTQ allyship and allyship in action.
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