Free Mom Hugs South Carolina

Free Mom Hugs is a national nonprofit with 50 state chapters that are home to more than 250 local area groups where volunteers can support their local LGBTQIA+ community. The nonprofit's volunteers, including more than 1,000 just here in the Midlands of South Carolina, advocate for the inclusion and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community. Our state chapter attended, supported or hosted more than 175 local and national events in 2025.

Why Our Work Matters
• 45% of LGBTQIA+ youth seriously considered suicide in the previous year.
• 28% of LGBTQ+ youth have reported experiencing homelessness, with family rejection being one of the biggest contributing factors. Free Mom Hugs directly addresses the gap left by unaccepting families.
• Many people within the LGBTQ+ community struggle to find acceptance from their parents or immediate family members.
• A single hug can decrease the impact of interpersonal conflict throughout the day and mediate the fight-or-flight response, while regular physical affection can boost immune system response and lessen physical pain.

Free Mom Hugs was founded by Sara Cunningham, a mother in conservative Oklahoma, who spent years rejecting her son's sexuality after he came out to her. After she later became involved in the LGBTQ+ 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 began supporting the community in 2018 and joined the national nonprofit's South Carolina chapter in 2019.

Free Mom Hugs empowers the world to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community through visibility, education and conversation.

Testimonials

"This isn't just something I started anymore. This is a movement carried by people who understand the heart of it." — Sara Cunningham, Founder

"This hug with this random woman at Pride refilled my cup. Just remembering it brings tears to my eyes.” — Pride participant

“Free Mom Hugs’ intention or mission isn't to replace anyone’s mother. We are always hopeful the parent will come around. Until they do, we are a loving presence in the lives of those who need it the most.” — Sara Cunningham, Founder

"I've seen moms wearing “Free Mom Hugs” shirts a at a time where my mom wasn’t the most supportive and it really meant a lot to me. Even seeing them there filled my heart with joy." — Pride participant