Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen

Understanding Teen Suicide and Mental Health: Insights, Strategies, and Support

In honor of September's Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, this episode compiles powerful and actionable insights on suicide prevention, featuring personal stories from guests like Jay Reed and initiatives by people such as Kevin Wong from The Trevor Project and Ann Moss Rogers. The episode emphasizes critical themes including the importance of open conversations about mental health, actionable strategies for suicide prevention, and understanding the heightened risks faced by LGBTQ youth. It includes practical advice for parents on recognizing signs of mental distress, fostering meaningful connections with their children, and leveraging resources like crisis hotlines and peer support platforms.

00:00 Introduction to Suicide Prevention Awareness

00:27 Recurring Themes in Suicide Prevention

01:17 Important Crisis Numbers

01:59 Interview with Jay Reed: A Father's Story

06:10 The Impact of Modern Life on Teen Mental Health

10:41 The Role of Parents in Suicide Prevention

19:43 Introducing Cara McNulty: Mental Health Advocate

31:01 Jackie Simmons: The Talk That Saves Lives

41:36 Why Stay? Heather's Reasons for Living

42:44 The Power of Neuroplasticity

46:43 Introducing Kevin Wong from The Trevor Project

48:17 The Trevor Project's Mission and Programs

57:52 Advocacy and Support for LGBTQ Youth

01:01:21 Recognizing and Addressing Mental Health in LGBTQ Youth

01:07:36 Ann Moss Rogers: A Personal Journey and Advocacy

01:26:51 Creating a Crisis Response Plan

Links to Full Episode

AnneMoss Rogers

Kevin Wong, The Trevor Project

Jackie Simmons

Cara McNulty

Jay Reid

Connect with Heather:

Grab your copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride. Available Now! https://chrysalismama.com/book

Get Your Ally Toolkit (including a free primer!) https://toolkit.chrysalismama.com/ally-free-gift

Learn powerful ways to get involved: https://linktr.ee/chrysalismama

Work with Heather one-on-one: https://chrysalismama.com/coaching Lots of coaching options!

Bring Heather into your Organization to speak or run a workshop https://chrysalismama.com/speaking

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

YouTube: @chrysalismama9499

TikTok: @chrysalismama

Summary

The ACLU and Human Rights Commission are reporting a record number of anti-trans bills

proposed in the United States for the fourth consecutive year, with almost 600 in 2024 alone.

Combined with an increase in reported hate crimes and discrimination targeting the trans

community, there has never been a more critical time to educate the public and encourage

allyship.

In this conversation, Heather welcomes three extraordinary guests: Jeannie Gainsburg, Jayna Sheats, and Kate Brooks to discuss their motivations for writing their books and the importance of allyship and pronouns. Kate wrote her book to provide support and affirmation for parents of transgender children, Jeannie wrote her book to guide allies in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and Jayna wrote her novel to humanize the transgender experience. They emphasize the need for allies to create safe spaces and educate themselves about gender identity. They also discuss the importance of using correct pronouns and normalizing the practice of sharing pronouns. The conversation covers various topics related to allyship, the upcoming election, and parenting LGBTQ+ teens. They all share personal stories and provide practical tips for taking action and supporting transgender individuals.

Takeaways

• Writing books that provide support and affirmation for transgender individuals and their families is important in creating a more inclusive society.
• Allyship is crucial in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and allies can create safe spaces and educate themselves about gender identity.
• Using correct pronouns and normalizing the practice of sharing pronouns is a respectful and inclusive action.
• Transgender youth face unique challenges, and allyship and affirmation from parents and society can greatly impact their well-being.
• Humanizing the transgender experience through storytelling can help mitigate fear and hate towards the community. Showing allyship can be done in various ways, such as using correct pronouns and providing support and advice to others.
• Practical actions for the upcoming election include participating in postcard campaigns and sharing information through writing and speaking.
• Acceptance and affirmation are crucial for transgender children, and parents should believe and support their child's gender identity.
• Practicing pronouns and using the 'switch it' technique can help improve gender inclusivity in language.
• The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the stakes of the election and the potential impact on the LGBTQ+ community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Motivations for Writing Books

07:51 The Importance of Allyship and Safe Spaces

21:31 Respecting Pronouns and Normalizing Pronoun Sharing

28:19 The Power of Pronouns and Allyship

30:41 Taking Action in the Upcoming Election

41:47 Supporting Transgender Children: Acceptance and Affirmation

47:58 Practical Tips for Gender Inclusive Language

50:35 Understanding the Stakes: The Impact of the Election on the LGBTQ+ Community

Bios

Authors/Activists/Mothers Jayna Sheats, a trans woman, Jeannie Gainsburg, an LGBTQ+ ally,

and Kate Brookes, parent of a trans teenager, are teaming up to share their message of

acceptance and increase understanding of the issues facing the trans community. Sheats,

Gainsburg, and Brookes say anger and hate often disguise fear of the trans community. By

sharing their stories and offering best-practice tips for support, they hope to counter the

discrimination, help humanize the trans experience, and encourage all people to become allies.

Jayna Sheats (she/her) is the author of Hanna’s Ascent. She is also a noted chemist and

entrepreneur, who has published over 60 articles and started 3 companies. Today she lives in

Northern California with her children.

Jeannie Gainsburg (she/her) is the founder of Savvy Ally Action and is an award-winning

educational trainer and consultant in LGBTQ+ inclusion and allyship. The second edition of her

book, The Savvy Ally: A Guide for Becoming a Skilled LGBTQ+ Advocate, is now available.

Jeannie lives with her husband in Upstate New York.

Kate Brookes (she/her) is a former TV reporter/anchor turned writer/producer/filmmaker. Her

memoir, Transister: Raising Twins in a Gender-Bending World, was published last summer.

These days she produces videos for non-profits and speaks to schools, hospitals and groups

about raising a trans child.

Links Mentioned

www.Jaynasheats.com

www.savvyallyaction.com

www.transistermom.com

https://kamalaharris.com/

https://www.turnoutpac.org/postcards/

https://www.inequalitymedia.org/aboutus.

Keywords

books, motivation, allyship, pronouns, transgender, LGBTQ+, support, affirmation, safe spaces, education, normalizing, pronouns, allyship, election, anxiety, activism, acceptance, affirmation, transgender children

Connect with Heather:

Grab your copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride. Available Now! https://chrysalismama.com/book

Get Your Ally Toolkit (including a free primer!) https://toolkit.chrysalismama.com/ally-free-gift

Learn powerful ways to get involved: https://linktr.ee/chrysalismama

Work with Heather one-on-one: https://chrysalismama.com/coaching Lots of coaching options!

Bring Heather into your Organization to speak or run a workshop https://chrysalismama.com/speaking

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

YouTube: @chrysalismama9499

TikTok: @chrysalismama

Summary

In this conversation, Heather Hester interviews three college students, Luke, Lars, and Grace, about their perspectives on current events and the upcoming election. They discuss where they get their news, how they discern what is true and false, and the issues that are most important to them. They also share their thoughts on Kamala Harris as the presumptive nominee and whether they feel more hopeful about the future. The conversation highlights the importance of education, the need for change, and the challenges of the two-party system. The conversation explores the two-party system in the United States and the potential impact of revamping or eliminating the electoral college. The guests discuss how the first-past-the-post electoral system and the Senate system contribute to the dominance of the two major parties. They express a desire for more representation and options beyond the two-party system. The conversation also touches on the use of fear in politics and the need for positive messaging. The guests emphasize the importance of engaging with younger generations, understanding their perspectives, and following through on campaign promises.

Takeaways

• College students rely on a variety of news sources, including NPR, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal, to stay informed about current events.
• They use social media as a starting point for news but verify information through reliable sources.
• Important issues for college students include healthcare, affordable housing, education, and student loan forgiveness.
• There is a desire for change and a shift in energy among college students, particularly with the nomination of Kamala Harris.
• While some express hope for the future, others are skeptical and believe in the need for a more radical revolution.
• The two-party system presents challenges, and some feel the pressure to vote for the lesser of two equals.
• Education and being informed are seen as crucial in making decisions and combating fear and misinformation. The first-past-the-post electoral system and the Senate system contribute to the dominance of the two major parties in the United States.
• There is a desire for more representation and options beyond the two-party system.
• Fear is often used as a powerful tactic in politics, and positive messaging is needed as a counterbalance.
• Engaging with younger generations, understanding their perspectives, and following through on campaign promises are crucial for politicians.
• Parents should continue to educate themselves and have open conversations with their children about politics.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and News Sources

06:20 Discerning Truth and Importance of Education

08:17 Important Issues for College Students

21:19 The Shift in Energy with Kamala Harris

28:41 Hope and Skepticism for the Future

33:37 The Challenges of the Two-Party System

35:42 The Impact of the Two-Party System

41:23 The Role of Fear and Positive Messaging

48:19 LGBT Conservatives and Representation

56:19 The Influence of Social Media

01:01:57 The Importance of Acknowledgment and Listening

01:05:11 Following Through on Promises

01:07:53 Continued Education and Engagement

Connect with Heather:

Grab your copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride. Available Now! https://chrysalismama.com/book

Get Your Ally Toolkit (including a free primer!) https://toolkit.chrysalismama.com/ally-free-gift

Learn powerful ways to get involved: https://linktr.ee/chrysalismama

Work with Heather one-on-one: https://chrysalismama.com/coaching Lots of coaching options!

Bring Heather into your Organization to speak or run a workshop https://chrysalismama.com/speaking

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

YouTube: @chrysalismama9499

TikTok: @chrysalismama

Keywords

college students, news sources, discerning truth, important issues, Kamala Harris, hope for the future, two-party system, two-party system, electoral college, first-past-the-post, Senate system, representation, fear in politics, positive messaging, engaging with younger generations, following through on promises

In this episode, Heather and Jodi Liston discuss her journey and extensive experience in educational and clinical consulting. She talks about her motivation, originating from her personal quest to find appropriate mental health treatment for her children with severe mental health issues. Jodi explains the role of educational consultants, clarifying common misconceptions, and emphasizing the breadth of services her firm offers, including special education advocacy. She shares insights on the increased visibility of LGBTQ+ issues post-Covid and addresses the challenges parents and students face in today's education landscape. Jodi also expresses her passion for helping families navigate crises, whether related to mental health, learning disabilities, or emotional and behavioral challenges.

00:00 Introduction: A Personal Journey into Mental Health Advocacy

00:40 Early Challenges and Determination

01:29 Seeking Expert Help for My Children

02:12 Years of Struggles and Experiences

03:22 Helping Other Families Through My Experiences

06:33 Understanding the Role of an Educational Consultant

12:45 Challenges Facing LGBTQ+ Students and Families

13:15 The Impact of COVID-19 on LGBTQ+ Issues

19:19 Personal Reflections on Acceptance and Advocacy

24:01 The Importance of Due Diligence in Choosing Consultants

30:41 Special Education Advocacy and Personal Stories

35:17 Conclusion: Resources and Contact Information

Connect with Heather:

Grab your copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride. Available Now! https://chrysalismama.com/book

Get Your Ally Toolkit (including a free primer!) https://toolkit.chrysalismama.com/ally-free-gift

Learn powerful ways to get involved: https://linktr.ee/chrysalismama

Work with Heather one-on-one: https://chrysalismama.com/coaching Lots of coaching options!

Bring Heather into your Organization to speak or run a workshop https://chrysalismama.com/speaking

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

YouTube: @chrysalismama9499

TikTok: @chrysalismama

In this episode of Just Breathe, I welcome Jorge Valencia, Executive Director and CEO of Point Foundation. Jorge shares his journey from being raised in a Mormon family in Texas to leading prominent LGBTQ+ organizations like the Trevor Project and Point Foundation. The discussion delves into the challenges and needs of LGBTQ+ youth, focusing on the importance of community, mentoring, and educational support. Jorge emphasizes the role of voting and advocacy in protecting LGBTQ+ rights and provides resources for students and families seeking support. The episode concludes with a call to action for allies to remain active and vocal in the fight for equality.

Bio

Jorge Valencia serves as the Point Foundation’s Executive Director and CEO.  Before Point Foundation, Jorge served as Executive Director and CEO of The Trevor Project and has worked in the corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors. He brings to Point a wealth of experience in managing and growing nonprofit organizations, a proven ability to design and manage the infrastructure of expanding organizations, and extensive experience with, and sensitivity to, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth issues.

Important Links from this episode:

Point Foundation

Campus Pride

OutVote

Summary:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:35 Meet Jorge Valencia: Background and Journey

03:57 The Trevor Project: Beginnings and Impact

05:20 Transition to Point Foundation

08:47 Challenges Faced by LGBTQ Students

11:23 Mentorship and Support Programs

15:10 The Importance of Voting and Advocacy

19:36 Finding Community and Support

27:28 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Connect with Heather:

Grab your copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride. Available Now! https://chrysalismama.com/book

Get Your Ally Toolkit (including a free primer!) https://toolkit.chrysalismama.com/ally-free-gift

Learn powerful ways to get involved: https://linktr.ee/chrysalismama

Work with Heather one-on-one: https://chrysalismama.com/coaching Lots of coaching options!

Bring Heather into your Organization to speak or run a workshop https://chrysalismama.com/speaking

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

YouTube: @chrysalismama9499

TikTok: @chrysalismama

Join us as we welcome Eric Marcus, an acclaimed author and LGBTQ+ historian, who brings his deeply personal coming out story to the forefront. Together, we explore the emotional landscape of acceptance within families and the transformative power of advocacy, exemplified by his mother's pivotal role in co-founding the Queens chapter of PFLAG.

Our conversation takes a heartfelt look at the roots of LGBTQ advocacy, where Eric shares his encounters with the early gay rights movement and pioneering organizations like the Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis. You'll hear touching stories of Jean Manford and her son Morty, the co-founders of PFLAG, and their relentless dedication. The devastating impact of the AIDS crisis also comes to light, with deeply personal stories of loss and resilience from families like the Ashworths. Through these narratives, we gain a richer understanding of the socio-political climate of the 1980s and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ rights.

Eric also reflects on his accidental journey to becoming a historian, starting with an oral history book that evolved into the Making Gay History podcast. We'll discuss the challenges and emotional rewards of capturing these stories in print and audio, and how they continue to inspire educational initiatives. As we celebrate the resilience of the LGBTQ community, we emphasize the importance of passing the torch to future generations. Tune in for a powerful episode filled with personal reflections, historical insights, and a strong message of advocacy and unity.

Resources Mentioned:

Making Gay History Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-gay-history-lgbtq-oral-histories-from-the-archive/id1162447122

Stonewall 50 Consortium: https://stonewall50consortium.org/

American LGBTQ+ Museum: https://americanlgbtqmuseum.org/

About Eric Marcus:

Eric Marcus is the author of a dozen books, including two editions of Making Gay History (the original 1992 edition is entitled Making History), Why Suicide?, and Breaking the Surface, the #1 New York Times bestselling autobiography of Olympic diving champion Greg Louganis. Eric is also the co-producer of Those Who Were There, a podcast drawn from the Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies. He is the founder and chair emeritus of the Stonewall 50 Consortium and is a founding board member of the American LGBTQ+ Museum. Learn more about Eric in this NBC News profile.

Connect with Heather:

Grab your copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride. Available Now! https://chrysalismama.com/book

Get Your Ally Toolkit (including a free primer!) https://toolkit.chrysalismama.com/ally-free-gift

Learn powerful ways to get involved: https://linktr.ee/chrysalismama

Work with Heather one-on-one: https://chrysalismama.com/coaching Lots of coaching options!

Bring Heather into your Organization to speak or run a workshop https://chrysalismama.com/speaking

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

YouTube: @chrysalismama9499

TikTok: @chrysalismama

Join us in this enlightening episode of Just Breathe as we navigate the intricacies of the human nervous system and its profound impact on our overall well-being. I'm thrilled to introduce Kelly Luback, an expert in nervous system health and a dear friend who has profoundly influenced my own journey of healing and internal work. Kelly's extensive experience in coaching, shamanic healing, yoga, and mindfulness provides a rich backdrop as we explore how our brain, spinal cord, and autonomic functions govern essential bodily processes such as breathing, digestion, and hormone production.

Listen in as we unravel the delicate balance between the activating sympathetic nervous system, which can manifest as anxiety, and the calming parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for rest and digestion. We discuss the common disconnection many of us feel from our nervous system signals due to overwhelming sensations and how the increased awareness post-COVID has highlighted the need for maintaining flexibility within these states. Kelly shares practical insights and evidence-based techniques to support and calm our nervous system, including a simple method of crisscrossing arms and stroking from shoulders to elbows, beneficial for both adults and children.

Finally, we explore the intersection of our physical bodies and mental states, emphasizing the importance of integrating both to achieve a sense of calm and clarity. Through real-life examples, such as the responses of parents of LGBTQ children and the dynamics at a recent family graduation party, we highlight the importance of recognizing and validating various nervous system responses. This episode celebrates personal growth and resilience, encouraging open conversations and normalizing our natural reactions to stress.

Resources Mentioned:

Kelly Lubeck's website - https://www.kellylubeck.com/

Join the Parenting with Pride Book Club - https://chrysalismama.com/bookclub

Don't forget to grab your copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride. Available Now! https://chrysalismama.com/book

About our Guest:

Kelly Lubeck, MPH, is passionate about changing the world for the better, through individual, group and community-level healing programs that inspire health, embodied leadership, and heightened capacity for change. Kelly helps women leaders stay grounded and centered in their changemaking, so they can deliver and lead impactful work, enjoy meaningful relationships and deep connection with their purpose, without sacrificing body, mind and spirit to their mission. Kelly’s work happens at the intersection of deep and soulful coaching, science of the nervous system, shamanic healing, yoga, mindfulness and 25 years of experience leading service-based programs around the world.

https://www.kellylubeck.com/

Connect with Heather:

Grab your copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride. Available Now! https://chrysalismama.com/book

Get Your Ally Toolkit (including a free primer!) https://toolkit.chrysalismama.com/ally-free-gift

Learn powerful ways to get involved: https://linktr.ee/chrysalismama

Work with Heather one-on-one: https://chrysalismama.com/coaching Lots of coaching options!

Bring Heather into your Organization to speak or run a workshop https://chrysalismama.com/speaking

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

YouTube: @chrysalismama9499

TikTok: @chrysalismama

What truly makes someone a good ally to the LGBTQIA+ community? Join me in this heartfelt episode as I unpack the essence of allyship, especially during Pride Month. With insight from my daughter while preparing for this epsiode, we pay tribute to the countless advocates and activists who've fought tirelessly for equality and shine a light on the ongoing societal issues that demand our attention. Being an ally isn't about self-promotion; it’s about standing up for basic human rights and fostering an inclusive world. Explore with me how unity and unwavering support can make a real difference.

Being an ally requires more than just good intentions—it demands action. Delve into what it means to genuinely support LGBTQIA+ individuals, focusing on active listening and respectful communication. When someone comes out, knowing how to respond with empathy and dignity is crucial. I also break down eight actionable ways to be an effective ally, from challenging heteronormativity and prejudice to ensuring everyone is treated with respect. This episode is packed with practical advice that can help you make a tangible impact.

Connect with Heather:

Grab your copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride. Available Now! https://chrysalismama.com/book

Get Your Ally Toolkit (including a free primer!) https://toolkit.chrysalismama.com/ally-free-gift

Learn powerful ways to get involved: https://linktr.ee/chrysalismama

Work with Heather one-on-one: https://chrysalismama.com/coaching Lots of coaching options!

Bring Heather into your Organization to speak or run a workshop https://chrysalismama.com/speaking

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

YouTube: @chrysalismama9499

TikTok: @chrysalismama

In this encore episode from 2021, Heather shares an overview of Pride history, including the Stonewall Riots, why the pink triangle is a global symbol, and how the rainbow flag became the symbol for LGBTQ+ pride. She begins with the following anonymous quote:

"LGBTQ pride was not born of a need to celebrate being LGBTQ, but our right to exist without persecution. So instead of wondering why there isn't a straight pride, be thankful you don't need one."

If this episode piques your curiosity about the history of Pride, check out some of Heather's favorite resources:

Websites

* them.

* The History Channel

* Britannica

Books

Gay & Lesbian History for Kids: The Century-Long Struggle for LGBT Rights

Pride: The Story of the LGBTQ Equality Movement

What was Stonewall? (One of the "What was? Who was? books)

Stonewall: The Definitive Story of the LGBTQ Rights Uprising That Changed America

We Are Everywhere

Connect with Heather:

Grab your copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride. Available Now! https://chrysalismama.com/book

Get Your Ally Toolkit (including a free primer!) https://toolkit.chrysalismama.com/ally-free-gift

Learn powerful ways to get involved: https://linktr.ee/chrysalismama

Work with Heather one-on-one: https://chrysalismama.com/coaching Lots of coaching options!

Bring Heather into your Organization to speak or run a workshop https://chrysalismama.com/speaking

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

YouTube: @chrysalismama9499

TikTok: @chrysalismama

With the compassionate insights of Celeste Lecesne from the Future Perfect Project and the vibrant duo, Lily and Eric, from the "I'm Feeling Queer Today" podcast, in today's episodes we are going to discuss the resonating impact of giving voice to the marginalized, weaving a narrative that highlights the significance of safe spaces, creative expression, and the indomitable spirit of queer youth.

Join us as we navigate the inspirational paths of our guests, whose aspirations and educational pursuits demonstrate the transformative power of passion. Their stories are a testament to the importance of a supportive network, reminding us all that our involvement, whether as listeners, parents, or allies, is crucial in fostering a nurturing environment for self-acceptance and growth. Encouraging trust and curiosity, we explore avenues of support that emphasize presence and understanding over perfection. Celebrating the courage of queer individuals, we underscore the Future Project's role in shining a light on their creative talent.

Our exchange is a profound acknowledgement of the difference that even one supportive figure can make in a young person's life, inspiring gratitude for the connections that shape a brighter, more inclusive future.

To Learn More about the Future Perfect Project visit https://www.thefutureperfectproject.org/

Listen to the I'm Feeling Queer Today podcast on your favorite app or on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/im-feeling-queer-today/id1726198109

Don't forget to grab your copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride. Available Now! https://chrysalismama.com/book

Connect with Heather:

Grab your copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride. Available Now! https://chrysalismama.com/book

Get Your Ally Toolkit (including a free primer!) https://toolkit.chrysalismama.com/ally-free-gift

Learn powerful ways to get involved: https://linktr.ee/chrysalismama

Work with Heather one-on-one: https://chrysalismama.com/coaching Lots of coaching options!

Bring Heather into your Organization to speak or run a workshop https://chrysalismama.com/speaking

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

YouTube: @chrysalismama9499

TikTok: @chrysalismama