The Coming Out Process: Stage 2 - Identity Comparison

Why Am I?Continuing with the Coming Out Process, Heather dives into the next stage that sees your child moving from denial into becoming acutely aware of and beginning to acknowledge their truth. In this stage, your child may think that this is just a phase and will wonder why they are "this way". It is important for them to start their journey with LGBTQ+ community resources and allow them to feel and discuss the grief they may feel in the loss of what was expected of them in a heteronormative way. It is also important for you as the parent to step back so that you can more easily see where your child is to that you can support them.Heather also takes a moment to discuss the current political environment when it comes to LGTBQ+ and shares organizations and events that are happening across the country that you join in to make help make stronger. Resources:Trevor ProjectHow the ACLU tracks anti-LGBTQ lawsHRCTransgender Law CenterThe Campaign for Southern EqualityThe CenterBrave Space AllianceProject Caerus - Youth of Florida are organizing to help the LGBTQ CommunityConnect with Heather: Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com For the Language of LGBTQIA+ E-book, visit: https://learnwith.chrysalismama.com/book  Digital Coming Out Course for Parents - Text Ally to 55444 to get Heather's "My kid just came out and I'm freaking out!" Toolkit!Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!Support Heather's Work: https://linktr.ee/chrysalismama

Om Podcasten

Do you have a child, teen, or young adult who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or any other beautiful sexual orientation or gender identity? Do you feel alone in your effort to support them on their journey or navigate your own? Heather Hester from Chrysalis Mama is here to transform the conversation around loving, raising, and empowering an LGBTQIA+ teenager as well as being a supportive ally to all LGBTQIA+ people. Since 2017, when her son embraced his sexual orientation as a young gay man, Heather and her family have felt every emotion, and have experienced dozens of situations ranging from heartwarming and humorous to terrifyingly life-threatening. She and her husband initially felt alone and overwhelmed, moving her to want to support others traveling a similar path. She discusses taboo topics and works to erase stigmas surrounding the coming out process and parenting an LGBTQIA+ teen. Heather's shows are both interview and solo offering a wide range of fascinating guests as well as her own episodes where she shares wisdom, stories, and strategies. Sitting in the top 1.5% of all podcasts, Just Breathe is relatable, educational, and warm. Heather's approach is based on four pillars - to Embrace, Educate, Empower, and Love - and most of all, to reinforce to all LGBTQ people, their families, and their allies that they are not alone!