#154 | Why Christian Nationalism Threatens LGBTQ Equality And the Courage It Takes to Speak Out

What happens when the wall between church and state starts to crack and no one is paying attention?

In this powerful installment of the Foundations of Freedom series, Heather Hester examines the Establishment Clause — the part of the First Amendment that protects us from government-imposed religion. From Thomas Jefferson’s original letter to recent Supreme Court rulings and rising Christian nationalism, this episode unpacks how our constitutional guarantee of religious liberty is evolving — and eroding — in real time.

• Learn what the Establishment Clause really means — and why it’s more than just a historical footnote
• Understand the shift in Supreme Court rulings that now prioritize “tradition” over neutrality
• Discover how current laws and ideologies (like Christian nationalism) are reshaping public policy, education, and democracy itself

Press play to understand how the battle for religious freedom isn’t about belief, it’s about balance, and why defending it is essential for all Americans, regardless of faith.

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 explores connection, courage, and community for every concerned parent, mom, or ally navigating fear, grief, and bigotry with hope, resilience, and empathy. Through open-minded education, inclusive parenting guidance, and advocacy for mental health, safety, and a human first approach, we support LGBTQ youth and stand for human rights and social justice. More Human. More Kind. empowers listeners to shift their mindset, embrace activism and allyship, and lead with kindness, healing, and purpose.