#142 | Supporting Trans Youth Requires More Than Love - It Takes Guidance, Allyship, and Systemic Change
Are you truly supporting the trans people in your life or just hoping your love is enough?
In this powerful conversation, licensed therapist and trans man Alexander Stefanini shares hard truths and healing strategies about what it really means to show up for trans teens, adults, and their families. In the face of a rising tide of political fear and misinformation, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and actionable tools for a complex and urgent topic.
- Learn why affirming someone’s identity goes far beyond pronouns and how to avoid well-meaning but harmful responses.
- Understand how transitioning impacts not just the individual, but their entire community, and why friends and family must “transition” too.
- Get practical advice for how allies, parents, and professionals can use their unique skills to create safer spaces and real change.
Press play to learn how you can show up with strength, skill, and compassion for the trans people who need you most - starting today.
Links referenced in this episode:
Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!
Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride.
Influence the Parenting with Pride companion journal content. Survey here.
Find out what kind of ally you are!
Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!
Connect heather@heatherhester.net
Join the Kind Space on Patreon
Leave a message or voicemail
Book a call!
Watch on YouTube
Listen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!
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.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Blubrry - https://create.blubrry.com/resources/about-blubrry/privacy-policy