#89 | Empowering Conversations: How Parents Can Support Their LGBTQ+ Children (LGBTQ Courage, Healing & Identity Safety)
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
This podcast episode delves into the significance of self-acceptance in the journey of understanding one's gender and sexuality, emphasizing that "coming in" to one's identity is often more crucial than coming out to others. Heather Hester hosts Lori Sweetman, a gender and sexuality holistic life coach, who shares her experiences and insights on creating safe spaces for exploration and validation. The conversation explores the complexities of fluid identities, the importance of compassionate parenting, and the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in less accepting environments. Truly highlights the need for open discussions about identity, safety, and the fluid nature of both gender and romantic relationships. This enriching dialogue encourages listeners to embrace their journeys and celebrate the exploration of identity in a supportive community.
About our Guest:
Mx. Lori Sweetman (They/She/Lor) is owner and director of Include LGBTQ Empowered Education and Consulting LLC and through there provides Queer Holistic Coaching to those desiring to achieve a more fulfilling life. They will use motivational inquiry and a carefully crafted positive psychology based coaching plan for their client to build the confidence to live fearlessly, authentically, and truthfully, as their best self.
Lor has their MA in Psychology, specializing in gender and sexual fluidity. Lor has conducted research on gender and sexual fluidity at the intersections of special education, art for identity formation, social psychology, and positive psychology. A more detailed bio can be found here.
Additionally, Lor is a nominee for the Russ Berrie Making a Difference award, and is a member of the APA special interest group in gender and sexuality. Lor voluntarily holds support groups for LGBTQ+ adults and teens in person in Warren County, NJ. You can listen to Lori speak on various podcasts as well.
When Lori isn’t with family and pets, they are looking for opportunities to advocate for the LGBTQ+ communities, working on their book, hugging a tree with their kids, or creating art.
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:
- Creating a safe space for children to explore their identities is crucial for their growth.
- Understanding that gender and sexuality are fluid helps parents support their children effectively.
- Self-compassion is essential for both parents and children as they navigate identity changes.
- Coming in is often more important than coming out for personal acceptance and safety.
- Encouraging open conversations about identity fosters trust and understanding within families.
- Polyamory and pansexuality are valid relationship and identity styles that deserve recognition and respect.
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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