Proud Pride Mom, Heidy Jantzen, shares her story of unconditional love.
Spread Love The Pride Way
Recently, I got the opportunity to sit down for a business meeting with Heidy. She’d come to New York and wanted to meet up for dinner. I absolutely jumped at the opportunity to do so because we don’t always get the chance to meet some of the professionals that we publish in Queen Size Magazine. After learning more about her professional and personal background, I immediately brought up the idea of a cover story. I loved how much she loved her family. I thought June was the ideal month to speak with her and ask her to share her story from the prospective of being a proud pride mom.
Here is her story!
QSM: You already know why we here! It's a celebration! We are celebrating pride month! I know you are a proud mom of two. This month you are celebrating as you are a proud pride mom to a gay teenage daughter. Let’s talk about that. What was that initial conversation like?
Heidy: First of all, thank you! For celebrating with us! It happened in a car ride I was with my two kids and my niece. My daughter was eleven at the time when the topic of who everyone liked or who liked them in their classroom came up; and my daughter said she liked someone. My niece said a little girls’ name. I said oh ok! My daughter said yes her name is such and such I like girls. I kept driving said oh. She asked if I was mad that she liked girls and I said no are you mad I like men? We both laughed and that what the first of many conversations we would have about it after.
QSM: Before she came out to you, did you have a feeling that she was gay?
Heidy: Definitely! I am extremely girly and as she got older and was deciding on her own sense of style, I noticed that she gravitated more to masculine style; her demeanor, all of it. I have a lot of gay friends so that also made seeing it easier.
QSM: Was there ever any apprehension on your part?
Heidy: There was not. As I said I have a lot of gay friends and truly believe everyone should love whoever they choose to. Whether that’s gender, race, ethnicity etc.
Photo Credit: JK Mark @trinizionphotos
QSM: Was there any apprehension from any of your family members?
Heidy: I would say for the older family members it was harder to understand. I also know for them and the time they grew up they know how much the gay population was mistreated etc, and there was that fear for her.
QSM: What has been the most difficult part for you?
Heidy: I think the most difficult part for me is knowing that even though we have come a long way as a society there are still people that not only won’t celebrate her but will condemn her for just being herself and that’s something I can’t shield her from.
QSM: From what I know about you, you are very open minded and accepting. Where did this come from?
Heidy: I am. Growing up in a traditional catholic Latin family isn’t it! It truly was being exposed to people of all kinds and seeing what mattered was who they were. Not what they looked like, where they were from, who they loved.
QSM: We live in a time where being gay is more accepting than it was back in the day. But not everyone has "grown up" (for lack of a better term). Do worry at all about how people will see or treat her? What do you tell her?
Heidy: Being from Miami she has been in a safe space to an extent in that regard. She has amazing friend groups and is surrounded by love and support. She knows that’s not the whole world.
I tell her she will have people hate her just because she is living her life and she has to know that is there issue not hers. She is very strong and smart. Truly she knows how loved she is and that’s all kids need.
QSM: Has your daughter expressed concerns to you?
Heidy: She has not. She has discussed with me other friends that have not had sun much support from their parents and how tough it has been for them. She knows what matters is to be a good person, work hard help others. She focuses on being those things so just her.
QSM: Having the conversation with children about their orientation if you feel they may be gay can be uncomfortable. Do you think there is a specific age?
Heidy: I don’t. I’m still waiting for my parents to have it with me Lol. I think every child is different. Focus on building a healthy and safe environment for them. They want to talk to you about stuff you just have to make them feel safe of judgment enough to do so.
QSM: What advice can you offer to other parents who may struggle with having the conversation or even accepting the fact that their child is gay?
Heidy: I think the biggest thing is to keep communication with your kids open, so the day they want to come to you about anything they can. I understand that for some people accepting their child’s orientation is difficult and that has a lot to do with fear. It’s ok to feel that way. But then you have to realize that your love for your child is stronger than Any fear could ever be.
QSM: It is weird for me to ask these questions because for me, being gay doesn't make you any different from anyone else. So let's shift the questioning a bit. Your daughter recently celebrated her 15th birthday. “Quinceañero” I know culturally that’s basically a right of passage for a Latin little girl. Tell us about that day.
Heidy: It was amazing! You are Absolutely right it’s a huge birthday for us. You are basically going from being a little girl to a young lady. Traditionally you wear the giant dress, have a father daughter dance etc. But my daughter did it her way. She wore the amazing suit photographed and she danced with her friends, her dad and with me. We had a great time. My parents were so happy to see how loved she was. A memorable Day for sure.
QSM: I admire you as a person and a mother. You are truly inspiring. Not because of your views on equality but because you are kind and hard working. As a model you have appeared a few times on QSM. Let’s talk about
Heidy: Now the admiration is mutual. I am such a fan of you and QSM and what you represent. Being featured on QSM is something that has meant so much to me. I started modeling in 2018. I host and began acting last year. I have worked on several productions and have really enjoyed that new endeavor. I am a national brand ambassador for Ambi skin care and USA fibroids centers to name a few. My goal is to use my platform to focus on women’s empowerment. Selfcare in all its forms. Health, mental health, fashion. Etc
QSM: What do you have going on and what can we look out for from Heidy?
Heidy: I had the amazing opportunity of being in a short film Good Cuban Girls end of last year. It is now being submitted to film festivals. I am looking forward to seeing the response from the public. I am very proud of the work done by all of us on that project. I gained some weight for my role and proudly represent the more visibly plus size woman. I play a family matriarch that is tough on her girls but that’s just because she wants what’s best and feels she is the Only one who knows what that looks like.
QSM: Where can people follow and support you?
Heidy: They Can follow me on Heidyjofficial On all platform Instagram, tiktok and Facebook
