Community Spotlight: Free Mom Hugs

By: Jamie Lojewski, Kim Perrine, and Melanie Vadzemnieks

Free Mom Hugs was founded by Sara Cunningham in 2015 after her son came out to her as gay. Remembering that she too was once in the crowd that rejected the LGBTQIA+ community, Sara showed up to a Pride Festival wearing a homemade Free Mom Hugs button and offered hugs to anyone who made eye contact. Today, Free Mom Hugs has chapters in all 50 states and other initiatives forming globally. The Pennsylvania chapter aims to cover all areas in the commonwealth, and Erie's very active local group is working to expand its reach.

The primary mission of Free Mom Hugs is to empower the world to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community through visibility, education, and conversation. With passion, conviction, and action, we are known for lending an ear, giving our hugs, volunteering our time, and letting people know they are seen and valued.

Our volunteers are present at official Pride events, proms, and parades, but we also support the queer community's initiatives such as boot and clothing drives, banned book drives, and food collections. We're happy to attend generic community events that align with our mission. While our nonprofit started with a mom, we welcome all allies. Volunteers always marvel at how heartwarming and rewarding it is to offer something as simple as a hug and affirmation.

To become involved, ask to join the Free Mom Hugs - Erie Facebook page, visit www.freemomhugs.org, or email mswchick@yahoo.com. We are planning to participate in numerous events this year, including Erie, Meadville, and Venango Pride as well as the Shenango Pride Prom. We hope to see you there!

Erie area leaders pictured left to right: Kim Perrine, Melanie Vadzemnieks, and Jamie Lojewski