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#130 | How Gen Z Balances Hope & Realism—and What LGBTQ Allies Can Learn From Their Perspective

More Human More Kind: Guidance for Parenting LGBTQ+ Teens & Growing Into a Courageous Ally
More Human More Kind: Guidance for Parenting LGBTQ+ Teens & Growing Into a Courageous Ally
Episode • Aug 27, 2024 • 1h 18m

Summary

In this conversation, Heather Hester interviews three college students, Luke, Lars, and Grace, about their perspectives on current events and the upcoming election. They discuss where they get their news, how they discern what is true and false, and the issues that are most important to them. They also share their thoughts on Kamala Harris as the presumptive nominee and whether they feel more hopeful about the future. The conversation highlights the importance of education, the need for change, and the challenges of the two-party system. The conversation explores the two-party system in the United States and the potential impact of revamping or eliminating the electoral college. The guests discuss how the first-past-the-post electoral system and the Senate system contribute to the dominance of the two major parties. They express a desire for more representation and options beyond the two-party system. The conversation also touches on the use of fear in politics and the need for positive messaging. The guests emphasize the importance of engaging with younger generations, understanding their perspectives, and following through on campaign promises.

Takeaways

  • College students rely on a variety of news sources, including NPR, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal, to stay informed about current events.
  • They use social media as a starting point for news but verify information through reliable sources.
  • Important issues for college students include healthcare, affordable housing, education, and student loan forgiveness.
  • There is a desire for change and a shift in energy among college students, particularly with the nomination of Kamala Harris.
  • While some express hope for the future, others are skeptical and believe in the need for a more radical revolution.
  • The two-party system presents challenges, and some feel the pressure to vote for the lesser of two equals.
  • Education and being informed are seen as crucial in making decisions and combating fear and misinformation. The first-past-the-post electoral system and the Senate system contribute to the dominance of the two major parties in the United States.
  • There is a desire for more representation and options beyond the two-party system.
  • Fear is often used as a powerful tactic in politics, and positive messaging is needed as a counterbalance.
  • Engaging with younger generations, understanding their perspectives, and following through on campaign promises are crucial for politicians.
  • Parents should continue to educate themselves and have open conversations with their children about politics.

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.

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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