Are you confusing being “nice” with being kind and unintentionally avoiding the hard conversations that true allyship demands?

In this eye-opening solo episode of More Human, More Kind, host Heather Hester explores a subtle but crucial distinction: the difference between niceness and kindness, especially when it comes to showing up as an LGBTQ+ ally, parent, or advocate for social justice.

• Why "being nice" often keeps you silent when your voice and presence are most needed
• How to move from performative allyship to genuine, values-based action
• Ways to practice empathy and inclusion even in moments of discomfort
• How kindness protects mental health, safety, and connection for you and those you're showing up for

In a world that prioritizes politeness over progress, it’s easy to equate being agreeable with being good. But real kindness, the kind rooted in love, advocacy, and justice, requires courage. It requires standing up, speaking out, and creating safety and belonging for marginalized identities, especially when it's hard.

Tune in now to discover how to show up as a more present, powerful, and compassionate ally not by avoiding conflict, but by embracing your full humanity.

Links referenced in this episode:

• thetrevorproject.org
• showingupforracialjustice.org
• humanrightscampaign.org
• nami.org

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.

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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