Join us as we warmly welcome back Trystan Reese, Author, Storyteller, Consultant, Coach, and Facilitator; back to the podcast, where we explore the rich and complex tapestry of transgender parenting. We engage in a heartfelt conversation that underscores the importance of creating a supportive environment for our children, one that champions their individuality and respects their evolving identities. This dialogue is a must-listen for parents, allies, and anyone invested in understanding the dynamics of gender non-conforming families.

Listen in as we dive into the delicate dance of parenting adolescents amidst the fluid landscape of gender identity. We touch on the critical role of unconditional love and the power it holds in allowing children to safely explore and express their gender. Our chat emphasizes that the path to understanding gender is not always linear. By embracing change and supporting our kids through their journey of self-discovery, we not only nurture their growth but also contribute to a more inclusive community.

Our conversation reveals how empathy and understanding in parenting can prepare children for the world, equip them to face social challenges, and cultivate a sense of self-assuredness. Moreover, we consider the power of unlearning preconceived notions and the expansion that comes from embracing new perspectives.

About our Guest:

Trystan Reese has been organizing with the trans community for nearly two decades, serving on the frontlines of this generation’s biggest fights for LGBTQ+ justice around the country. He then launched onto the global stage in 2017 when his family’s unique journey gained international media attention. He was honored to partner with many major media outlets, including CNN, NBC, People, and Buzzfeed, to bring his message of trans family love and resilience to the mainstream. Professionally, he is the founder of Collaborate Consulting, providing customized training solutions for individuals, organizations, and communities interested in social justice. His first book, How We Do Family, was released in the summer of 2021 and his children’s book, The Light Of You, was released at the beginning of 2022.

Trystan is married to his partner Biff, and they live in Portland, Oregon, with their three kids: Riley, Sully, and Leo. They are very happy.

https://www.trystanreese.com/

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.

Takeaways:

• The importance of unconditional love in parenting LGBTQ children is paramount for their development.
• Fluidity in gender identity among children allows them to explore who they truly are.
• Parents should embrace the changes their children undergo without rigidly imposing labels or identities.
• Understanding that a child's journey through gender expression can be nonlinear is crucial for acceptance.
• Modeling acceptance and freedom in gender expression creates a supportive environment for children.
• Navigating societal pressures and expectations can be challenging, but open conversations facilitate understanding.

More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, love, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, connection, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community while addressing grief, boundaries, education, diversity, human rights, social justice, and the power of human kindness through a lens of ally support and community engagement.

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