Heather Dubrow, the celebrated star of The Real Housewives of Orange County, has always been known for her candidness and openness about her family life. Alongside her husband, renowned plastic surgeon Terry Dubrow, Heather has become an influential voice, especially when it comes to raising awareness and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. As parents of children who identify as LGBTQ+, Heather and Terry have shared some powerful insights and advice for other parents navigating similar experiences.
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A Family That Embraces Diversity and Love
Heather and Terry Dubrow’s family is a prime example of love, acceptance, and mutual respect. The couple has four children: Max, 20, who identifies as bisexual; her twin brother Nick; Kat, 18, who identifies as a lesbian; and Ace, 13, who is transgender. These diverse identities within their own family have shaped their views on LGBTQ+ issues and reinforced their belief in the importance of acceptance and inclusion.
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Heather, who has been a prominent figure on The Real Housewives of Orange County since 2012, shared with People Magazine at the 6th annual Vanderpump Dogs Gala in Los Angeles, how proud she is of her children. She said, “I have four healthy, great kids and everyone seems to be in a good spot right now.” Her message of positivity was clear—her children are thriving, and the family has come together through shared love and understanding.
The Importance of Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community
Terry Dubrow, who has gained fame through his appearances on Botched, expressed his gratitude for the platform that the reality TV show has provided them. He recognized the importance of visibility, especially when it comes to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. “I am grateful for the platform that Heather has with Housewives, it allows us to support the LGBTQ community. Our family is very involved with it, and not a lot of platforms would necessarily allow you to support them in that way,” Terry said. “We feel very blessed to be part of the community.”
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This statement highlights the significance of representation. Terry’s words reflect a broader truth: many public figures in the entertainment industry are now using their platforms to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, creating an inclusive space where people can find support and feel understood.
Navigating Challenging Times with Support and Communication
In the wake of political shifts in the United States, including the controversial election of Donald Trump and the rise of Republican influence in Congress, Heather acknowledged the challenging times that LGBTQ+ families and individuals face. These societal changes have sparked concern for many families, especially those whose children identify as LGBTQ+. In her interview, Heather stated, “These… challenging times [are] concerning for all families. The most important thing is to stay in our community and keep talking to [one another], reaching out to friends and making sure people are [OK].”
The Dubrows emphasize the importance of maintaining open lines of communication. “Keep talking to each other” is Heather’s simple but profound advice to parents. It’s a reminder that, no matter the external challenges, the internal strength of a family is built on support, listening, and understanding. The couple believes that in the face of adversity, the key to getting through tough times is staying connected to one another and ensuring everyone feels heard and loved.
The Role of Advocacy and Volunteer Work
Beyond their family, Heather is deeply involved in advocacy work. She is a proud supporter of several LGBTQ+ organizations, including The Trevor Project, GLAAD, Family Equality, and the Los Angeles LGBT Center. These organizations work tirelessly to provide resources, support, and education for LGBTQ+ youth, especially those in vulnerable situations. Heather’s active role in these charities speaks to her commitment to fostering a safer, more accepting world for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Through her volunteer efforts, Heather works to bring awareness to the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ youth, offering a space for them to find the guidance and support they need. She has been praised for her open-minded and compassionate approach to parenting, which she has used as a foundation for her advocacy work.
The Impact of Heather Dubrow’s Parenting Style
Heather’s approach to parenting has been lauded by many, including pop megastar Rihanna. In 2022, Rihanna expressed her admiration for Heather’s ability to let her children be true to themselves. Rihanna stated, “I love the way that she just allows her kids to be who they are. That’s really inspiring to me.”
This type of parenting has set an example for many families, especially those with LGBTQ+ children. Heather and Terry’s willingness to embrace their children’s identities without judgment creates a nurturing environment where love and authenticity are prioritized over societal expectations.
A Shared Experience with Fellow RHOC Star Alexis Bellino
Heather is not alone in her journey as a parent of an LGBTQ+ child. Her fellow RHOC star Alexis Bellino also has a transgender child, her son Miles. This shared experience highlights the importance of community and the connections that can be formed among families navigating similar paths. Heather and Alexis’s bond offers strength and solidarity to other parents who might be struggling with their own challenges in raising LGBTQ+ children.
Both women have shown that the road to acceptance and understanding is not always easy, but it is filled with opportunities for growth, connection, and transformation. Their openness about their experiences provides invaluable insight to others, helping to break down stigma and provide support for families facing similar issues.
Celebrating the Journey
For Heather and Terry, their children’s journeys—whether through self-discovery or transition—are celebrated with pride. The Dubrow family is proof that love and acceptance are the most important gifts a parent can give their child. Through their advocacy work and their roles as public figures, they continue to serve as role models for other parents looking to support and celebrate their LGBTQ+ children.
Their story reminds us that there is no “one right way” to be a family. What truly matters is the love and understanding that bind families together, and the willingness to provide unwavering support to children as they navigate their own paths to self-expression and authenticity.
As Heather and Terry continue to use their platform to promote inclusivity and acceptance, their message is clear: Love is love, and every family deserves to be celebrated.
