088: Supporting LGBTQ Kids with Celeste and Jen of Mama Dragons

In this episode, Celeste and Jen join me on the podcast to talk about supporting LGBTQ kids, specifically if you’re part of a religion or way of living that does not affirm them.   Celeste is the executive director of Mama Dragons, which was created by Gina Crivello. Gina gathered a small group of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) mothers together as they navigated supporting their LGBTQ children in a culture that was not affirming.    Since then, Mama Dragons has grown to become a leader in affirming parent education and offers support to more than 9,000 members worldwide.   We talk about: [6:50] What is Mama Dragons [11:50] How Jen found out her son was gay, and what she did to navigate it [15:20] The physical effects of coming out of 'fight, flight of freeze' mode [19:10] The difference affirming parents make, and how you can affirm a child [22:10] Parenting practices to adopt  [24:30] What Jen wishes she knew about raising a gay son [26:30] What Jen has learned working with Mama Dragons  [29:10] The impact of growing up in a religious setting [31:50] The importance of doing your own research and not getting caught up in misinformation [33:10] Why people so threatened by the idea of LGBTQ people [38:35] Advice both Celeste and Jen would give to their younger parent self   Resources mentioned in this episode: Free ‘How to Stop Yelling’ Course: www.sarahrosensweet.com/yelling  Join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/peacefulparenting  Learning program Parachute - https://parachute.mamadragons.org/  Get free Parachute courses using the code PEACEFULPARENTING   Connect with Mama Dragons On Instagram On Facebook On Twitter On YouTube https://www.mamadragons.org/    Connect with Sarah Rosensweet   On Instagram On Facebook https://www.sarahrosensweet.com  Book a short consult or coaching session call