Free Mom Hugs
About this Organization
Free Mom Hugs is a national nonprofit organization with state chapters. The nonprofit's volunteers, including hundreds in the Midlands of South Carolina, advocate for the inclusion and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. We attend local and national events in support of the community and share our stories to increase awareness.
Free Mom Hugs was founded by Sara Cunningham, a Christian mother in conservative Oklahoma, who spent years rejecting her son's sexuality, after he came out to her. As she later became involved in the LGBTQ+ community, the hurt, shame and injustice they often experience was painfully clear. Remembering that she too was once in the crowd that rejected this loving, vibrant community, Sara took action. On Saturday, June 20, 2015, Sara wore a homemade button with the words "Free Mom Hugs" to the Oklahoma City Pride Festival. That day Free Mom Hugs - a nationwide movement of love, visibility and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community - was born.
The Midlands group of Free Mom Hugs South Carolina - which formed just before the founding of the national nonprofit - launched at the 2018 Famously Hot Pride Parade. In 2019, the Midlands group joined Free Mom Hugs SC.
Free Mom Hugs was founded by Sara Cunningham, a Christian mother in conservative Oklahoma, who spent years rejecting her son's sexuality, after he came out to her. As she later became involved in the LGBTQ+ community, the hurt, shame and injustice they often experience was painfully clear. Remembering that she too was once in the crowd that rejected this loving, vibrant community, Sara took action. On Saturday, June 20, 2015, Sara wore a homemade button with the words "Free Mom Hugs" to the Oklahoma City Pride Festival. That day Free Mom Hugs - a nationwide movement of love, visibility and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community - was born.
The Midlands group of Free Mom Hugs South Carolina - which formed just before the founding of the national nonprofit - launched at the 2018 Famously Hot Pride Parade. In 2019, the Midlands group joined Free Mom Hugs SC.
