Phrase of the Day: HUGS OF SUPPORT

It is no secret that those in the LGBTQ community, even with the huge strides made here in the U.S., still take a lot of criticism, ridicule, and shaming.  Less than half of all U.S. states have laws on the books that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.  (Some of those states provide these protections for public employees only or for sexual orientation only, with two states -- Arkansas and Tennessee -- that prohibit any such laws from being passed.)  Changing laws is, after all, far different than changing minds and hearts.

On an even more personal level, many times they face negativity from friends and family, often being ridiculed or shunned by those who are supposed to be closest to them.  There is a non-profit organization made up of a growing group of parents who are trying to bridge that gap and to provide healing and support to those who can be hurt the most through no fault of their own.  This group is made up of parents of who have LGBTQ children of their own and are sharing the love with other LGBTQ children   The organization is called Free Mom Hugs.

It was started by Sara Cunningham, whose son is gay, and whose eyes were opened up to the gay community through him.  She saw how religion can, at times, come between LGBTQ individuals and their parents.  After attending a pride parade in Oklahoma City four years ago with her son and husband, Cunningham started an online support group for mothers of gay children and wrote a book titled How We Sleep At Night: A Mother's Memoir.  She attended the same pride parade the following year, donning a button that read "Free Mom Hugs" ... and that's exactly what she offered to anyone who wanted one!  That experience led her to starting Free Mom Hugs.  (She is nicknamed "Mama Bear" and refers to herself as a "professional hugger".)

Free Mom Hugs goes around to different parts of the country, attending pride events and other events, giving ... you guessed it, free hugs.  It is a way of showing support in a motherly way to those in the LGBTQ community who, sadly, do not have that support from their own parents.  The group also offers education and information intended to bridge the gap between parent and child and between religion and families with LGBTQ children.  They also support information for parents, as well as businesses, schools, and hospitals.

The organization has been around for a few years, but Cunningham and her organization garnered a lot of attention after she posted the following on her Facebook page just a couple of weeks ago...

The caption underneath reads: "PSA.  If you need a mom to attend your same sex wedding because your biological mom won't.  Call me.  I'm there.  I'll be your biggest fan.  I'll even bring the bubbles."

Clearly, Sara Cunningham is a mom with an abundance of love to give, and who does so freely, as do all those involved in her organization.

Last year, the organization began its annual Free Mom Hugs Tour.  Last year's tour visited ten cities across six states, and this year's tour visited twelve cities across eight states.  (Both were in the month of May.)

Bridging the gap of misunderstanding is a good thing, a very good thing, and Sara Cunningham's organization is a very good one, doing wonderful work.  You can visit Free Mom Hugs' website to find out more or to donate to their work.  You can also check out their Facebook page, their Twitter page, or their Instagram page. 

Terry