#176 | Broken and Brave: What It Means to Be an Ally When Systems Fail
What happens when crisis support is stripped away—but the danger remains? And what do we do with the heartbreak, anger, and fear that follow?
In this timely episode, Heather unpacks the quiet, unannounced removal of the LGBTQ+ support option from the national 988 crisis line—and what that loss means for queer youth, for families, and for every ally committed to creating a safer, more just world. But this conversation goes beyond policy. It dives into the emotional tension we’re all holding right now: how to stay engaged and hopeful while feeling deeply saddened, disappointed, and even disgusted. How to keep showing up—especially when it hurts.
- Understand why the removal of LGBTQ+-specific support from 988 isn’t just an administrative change—it’s a threat to lives
- Learn how to hold grief and courage at the same time—and how that duality can fuel real, loving action
- Get practical guidance on alternative crisis resources, how to advocate effectively, and how to be a refuge for LGBTQ+ youth when systems fall short
Listen now to reclaim your voice, strengthen your courage, and learn how to hold both heartbreak and hope in the fight to protect LGBTQ+ lives.
Links Mentioned:
- The Trevor Project Crisis Services – https://www.thetrevorproject.org
- Trans Lifeline – https://translifeline.org
- Q Chat Space – https://www.qchatspace.org
- National LGBTQ Task Force – https://www.thetaskforce.org
- Human Rights Campaign 988 Brief – [searchable on hrc.org]
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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, safety, and a human first approach, 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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