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.

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Erie chapter of Free Mom Hugs has been reactivated. Free Mom Hugs is a nonprofit organization that was started in Oklahoma City in 2014, by mom Sarah Cunningham. After her son came out, Sarah noticed that many LGBTQIA+ youth were being ostracized by their families. Sarah wanted to do something tangible to help and, as a result, Free Mom Hugs was born. After our debut at Erie Pride 2022, we are now available to bring hugs to your LGBTQIA+ supporting organization. If you have an event or activity that you would interested in having Free Mom Hugs attend, please send an email to Kim Perrine, chapter co-coordinator, at mswchick@yahoo.com. You can also reach us on Facebook through the Erie Chapter of Free Mom Hugs group page.