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.

1. Understand why the removal of LGBTQ+-specific support from 988 isn’t just an administrative change—it’s a threat to lives
2. Learn how to hold grief and courage at the same time—and how that duality can fuel real, loving action
3. 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:

1. The Trevor Project Crisis Services – https://www.thetrevorproject.org
2. Trans Lifeline – https://translifeline.org
3. Q Chat Space – https://www.qchatspace.org
4. National LGBTQ Task Force – https://www.thetaskforce.org
5. Human Rights Campaign 988 Brief – [searchable on hrc.org]

Call your congresspeople - over and over and over!

Here's how it works:

1. Call the number: Dial (202) 224-3121.
2. Request an office: Tell the operator which member of Congress (Senator or Representative) you wish to reach.
3. Connect to the office: The operator will connect you directly to the requested office.

Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!

Are you ready to take action? Fill out this Discovery Form to get a personalized recommendation!

Invite me to speak at your workshop or event

Read my book, Parenting with Pride.

Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!

Connect heather@heatherhester.net

Buy Me A Coffee

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 grow their capacity for courageous, compassionate connection.

For parents, allies, and those 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 is a safe and supportive podcast for parents and allies and space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals while addressing grief, boundaries, education, diversity, human rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, social justice, and the power of love and human kindness through a lens of ally support and community engagement.