In the bustling streets of Atlanta during the 2023 Pride Parade, a vibrant volunteer from Free Mom Hugs offered embraces to LGBTQ+ youth, embodying the organization’s mission of love and acceptance. This act of kindness, however, became the target of Tiffany Justice, co-founder of Moms for Liberty, who accused the volunteers of being “groomers.” The term, a slanderous accusation hurled by extremists, suggests that those who support LGBTQ+ individuals are preying on children, a baseless and harmful assertion.
A Journey from Fear to Advocacy
The volunteer at the heart of the controversy shared her transformative journey, which began in 2016 when her queer daughter’s suicide attempt opened her eyes to the pain caused by societal rejection. Moving from a conservative, fear-based mindset to one of love and acceptance, she became an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. This mother’s story underscores the profound impact of personal experiences in fostering understanding and empathy within families and communities.
Uniting Against Baseless Accusations
The backlash against Free Mom Hugs highlights the ongoing societal debate over LGBTQ+ rights and the toxic rhetoric used by some to undermine these communities. Sara Cunningham, founder of Free Mom Hugs, spoke of the overwhelming support received in the wake of the attacks, reinforcing the importance of their work. The organization, born from Cunningham’s own experience as a conservative Christian mother, has grown into a national movement, offering hugs, support, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.
Free Mom Hugs represents a beacon of hope and a reminder of the power of unconditional love. Amidst the hostility, the community’s response – turning hate into love – exemplifies resilience and the enduring quest for acceptance and equality.