Heather is joined by author, therapist, and TEDx speaker, Chris Tompkins to discuss the impact of heteronormativity in today’s culture.  Listen as they unpack the differences between queerphobia and homophobia, how the language and words we use create nuances that stop us from talking to our children about being gay, and the steps that we can use to build a “New Playground” around our subconscious beliefs. 

Do not miss these highlights:

04:01 - Chris’ motivation for writing his book Raising LGBTQ Allies: A Parent’s Guide to Changing the Messages from the Playground

07:47 - Messages from the playground is an analogy to describe the subconscious beliefs that we all have about everything

12:14 - The purpose of breaking the book down into three sections; awareness, willingness and change

17:14 - Unpacking the heteronormative message and beliefs that impact our ability to talk to our children about things outside that scope

24:45 - Working in a juvenile hall where the LGBTQ youth were separated from others for safety however that just continues to perpetuate the root of the problem

35:21 - Shift the language from “it’s complicated” to “it’s complex” to be more inclined to talk

42:59 - The importance of teaching kids to love themselves, as they will make decisions thatare based on the lack of self-love

53:14 - “Don't let what you think is happening on the outside, determine what is going on in the inside.”

54:21 - A look at the steps to build a new playground

About our Guest:

Chris Tompkins is a therapist, spiritual life coach, TEDx speaker, and author of Raising LGBTQ Allies: A Parent’s Guide to Changing the Messages from the Playground. Chris believes connecting with our spirituality, loving ourselves, and taking full responsibility for our lives is where our strength lies at the deepest level. He hosts workshops and presentations for universities, conferences, and organizations across the U.S. on anti-bullying, inner advocacy, how to prevent queerphobia, and the importance of changing the messages from the playground.

https://www.aroadtriptolove.com/ 

Catch Chris’ TEDx Talk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P2GGcuJl6w

Get Chris’ book at https://amzn.to/3O16ISY 

Connect with Heather:

Solutions listed on her website: https://chrysalismama.com

For the Language of LGBTQIA+ E-book, visit: https://learnwith.chrysalismama.com/book  

Digital Coming Out Course for Parents - Text Ally to 55444 to get Heather's "My kid just came out and I'm freaking out!" Toolkit!