#96 | Breaking Fashion Norms to Empower LGBTQ Kids: Guidance & Courage in Gender-Free Clothing
Join Heather as she engages in a heartfelt conversation with Elizabeth Brunner, founder and CEO of Stereotype, a gender-free kids' fashion brand. Elizabeth shares the inspiration behind her brand, which stemmed from observing her own twins joyfully mix and match clothing without regard for traditional gender norms. The discussion delves into the importance of supporting children's individuality and the need for parents to create a safe space for self-expression. They explore the societal pressures surrounding gendered clothing and how Elizabeth's mission aims to challenge these stereotypes. With insights on parenting, personal growth, and the journey toward acceptance, this episode offers valuable perspectives for anyone navigating the complexities of raising children in today's world.
In this thought-provoking conversation with Elizabeth Brunner, Heather explores the inspiration behind Stereotype, Elizabeth's gender-free clothing line for children and adults. Elizabeth shares how her girl-boy twins inspired the idea and how Stereotype creates a space for individuals of all genders to express themselves through fashion without any judgment. They also discuss the importance of language when it comes to describing gender-free clothing and how the reactions her children received when they dressed beyond their gender showed her the need for clothing that is unrestricted by societal norms.
Listen as they talk about the importance of creating a safe space at home for children to express themselves authentically. Learn how creating this type of environment requires time and self-reflection, and how it can be a learning journey for the parent as well.
Don't miss this enlightening conversation filled with valuable insights on supporting individuality and breaking down gender stereotypes through fashion and conscious parenting.
About our Guest:
Elizabeth Brunner is the Founder and CEO of StereoType, a pioneering gender-free kids' fashion brand that aims to break-free from traditional gendered clothing by creating what she coined as "blended fashion" — a mix of girl and boy esthetics that are equal in value and defined by no one.
StereoType offers a wide range of stylish, comfortable, high-quality clothing and accessories for children ages 4-14, enabling them to express themselves through their wardrobe choices without being limited by societal expectations, limits, and stereotypes.
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 foster courageous, compassionate connection.
If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or 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:
- The importance of creating a safe space for children to express their individuality without fear of judgment is crucial for their development.
- Observing how children naturally gravitate towards clothing without gender norms can inspire a more inclusive fashion approach.
- Parents should be aware of their conditioning and how it affects their acceptance of their children's choices.
- Encouraging children to embrace their true selves fosters confidence and authenticity in their identity.
- The concept of blended fashion allows for clothing to be appreciated beyond traditional gender categories.
- Modeling vulnerability and humility as parents teaches children that it's okay to be imperfect.
Links referenced in this episode:
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.
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