Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen

This conversation between Heather and Kelly offers a rich exploration of how our nervous systems respond to both personal and collective challenges. Kelly's insights into the biological underpinnings of stress responses illuminate why many feel overwhelmed and how the current political climate exacerbates these feelings. The discussion transitions into practical exercises, such as shaking off stress and connecting with the natural world, which are vital for re-establishing a sense of safety and stability. Kelly stresses the importance of acknowledging our body's signals and taking proactive measures to remain regulated, especially for parents and caregivers who are often on the front lines of emotional turbulence. By implementing these strategies, listeners can foster resilience not only in themselves but also in their communities, reinforcing the idea that personal well-being directly influences collective health.

Takeaways:

• Kelly Lubeck emphasizes the importance of moving our bodies to release stored stress.
• Connecting with nature can significantly help calm our nervous systems and improve well-being.
• Engaging in meaningful social connections is essential for maintaining our mental health and stability.
• Practicing breathing exercises can help alleviate anxiety and bring awareness to our bodies.
• The 'Befriend Your Body' program focuses on understanding and supporting our nervous systems effectively.
• Finding a sense of safety and comfort through visualization can help regulate our emotions.

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

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

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:

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: