Discover the power of love and acceptance as I am joined by the insightful shawndeez, Ph.D., to explore the journey of parenting LGBTQ children. Through our conversation, we unearth the intricacies of identity, acceptance, and the transformative self-discovery that not only reshapes the lives of LGBTQ individuals but also their loved ones. Hear the touching stories that cut across the fabric of spirituality, gender, and the path toward embracing one's true self, offering a glimmer of hope and guidance for those supporting queer and trans family members.

The episode traverses the emotional landscape that parents navigate as their children reveal their gender identities, delving into the delicate balance of protecting and accepting, and the profound realization that unconditional love can deepen through understanding and awareness. We discuss the importance of patience, education, and dialogue in fostering a family environment where differences unite rather than divide. With shawndeez's personal narratives serving as a backdrop, the discussion highlights the healing potential of open-hearted acceptance within the family dynamic.

Listen as we contemplate the societal impacts of gender fluidity, and how fostering joy within the lives of trans individuals can lead to a culture of thriving. Whether you're a parent, a friend, or simply someone seeking understanding, this episode is a beacon of hope and guidance in the quest for a more inclusive world.

About our Guest:

shawndeez, Ph.D. (they/them) received their doctorate in UCLA’s Department of Gender Studies. While at UCLA, they created and led courses on Trans Magic, Queer & Trans Muslim Feminisms, and QTPoC Resistances while simultaneously serving on the Trans Wellness Team, a collective of medical doctors and mental health providers working to provide gender-affirming healthcare to trans students across the UC system. shawndeez’s dissertation research explored how queer, trans, and nonbinary individuals engage with the spiritual as a form of resilience, healing, and possibility. They are now a full-time public speaker, spiritual guide, and workshop facilitator, offering spiritually-conscious spaces for queer/trans people to lean into their joys. 

shawndeez is currently most excited for their newest adventure – offering one-on-one support for parents and elders of trans and gender non-conforming people who seek guidance in reimagining their relationship with their child. If you are interested in learning more, please visit their website shawndeez.com.

SOCIALS: 

ig - @drshawndeez

website: https://www.shawndeez.com/

the specific page for parent support work: https://www.shawndeez.com/work/parents

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndeez/

email address: shawndeez@ucla.edu 

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 journey of understanding and supporting a trans child requires both time and compassion from parents.
• Sean Dees emphasizes the importance of joy over survival in the lives of trans individuals.
• Parents often carry fear and confusion when their child comes out as trans or non-binary.
• Creating a safe space for open dialogue can help families navigate gender identity together.
• Trans joy workshops focus on making joy a priority for trans individuals and their families.
• Understanding the fluidity of gender allows for a broader acceptance of diverse identities.

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.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Blubrry - https://create.blubrry.com/resources/about-blubrry/privacy-policy