Parenting with Pride

Heather Hester is the founder of Chrysalis Mama which provides support and education to parents and allies of LGBTQIA adolescents, teenagers, and young adults. She is also the creator and host of the podcast Just Breathe: Parenting your LGBTQ Teen. As an advocate and coach for parents and allies, she believes the coming out process is equal parts beautiful and messy. She works with her clients to let go of fear and feelings of isolation so that they can reconnect with themselves and their children in a meaningful, grounded way. Heather creates a space where growth and shifts can occur through education and empowerment, instilling the confidence that anyone can move through the coming-out process with understanding and love. She is also a speaker and consultant for corporations, teaching how to be better LGBTQ+ allies from the inside out. Heather is a writer and entrepreneur, married to her best friend of 28 years, the mother of four extraordinary kids (two of whom are LGBTQIA), and a student of life who believes in being authentic and embracing the messiness.

"This book that you hold in your hands will transform your life, your relationships, and the life of your LGBTQ+ teen. Heather is a loving and masterful guide. When you read and, more importantly, implement what you learn in this book, you will deepen your understanding and learn how to navigate the transition with your family member. As you dive into the pages, you will sense her genuine, kind, and calm presence leading you through her four pillars of Embrace, Educate (and Unlearn Bias), Empower, and Love. Heather is the real deal, and she has condensed the lessons that she and her family have mastered through their own transition. Believe me, she fully understands your doubts and fears, the difficulties and the pain, and she can help you find the joy and love you desire too. Spend time with her to ponder and reflect, and make this path your own. If you want a more loving relationship with your coming out teen and you want to be an ally and advocate in an honest wholehearted way, then I would encourage you to buy this book. Use it and share the lessons widely so that we can make this a more inclusive, encouraging, and accepting world.”