#158 | What If Peaceful Protest Is Democracy’s Last Lifeline? What It Means for Democracy, LGBTQ Rights, and Civil Liberties

Is the right to protest quietly disappearing — while most people don't even notice?

In the final episode of the Foundations of Freedom series, Heather Hester explores one of the most misunderstood and under-discussed First Amendment rights: the right to peaceably assemble. From the Boston Tea Party to Stonewall to Standing Rock and modern anti-protest legislation, Heather connects the historical roots of assembly with the present-day risks to democracy — and how our right to gather, grieve, and resist is being slowly eroded.

• Learn how peaceful assembly became a foundational tool for civil rights, LGBTQ+ liberation, and women’s equality
• Understand the difference between assembly and insurrection — and why the language we use matters
• Discover the legal protections (and new threats) around protest, mutual aid, and public gathering — including how surveillance, intimidation, and new laws are reshaping what’s possible

Press play to understand why showing up — in the streets, online, or in solidarity — is more than protest. It’s how democracy breathes.

Links referenced in this episode:

• aclu
• national lawyers guild
• protect the protest

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.

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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.