Mom at Pride parade gives free hugs to kids rejected by their parents — now we’re crying happy tears

At a Pride parade, a group of moms came together to spread love by giving free hugs to queer kids who had been rejected by their families. The small gesture brought a sense of comfort to those who needed it most. Author, blogger, and speaker Jen Hatmaker took to Instagram to share the heartwarming moments she captured at the parade, especially the power of a 'mom hug'.

In August 2018, Hatmaker revealed how she, along with a few other moms, joined the 'Free Mom Hugs' group at the Austin Pride parade, as reported by Scoop Upworthy. In the captions, Hatmaker wrote, “My beloved little church went downtown to the #AustinPrideParade and gave out Free Mom Hugs, Free Dad Hugs, Free Grana Hugs, and Free Pastor Hugs like it was our paying jobs. And when I say hugs, I mean THE KIND A MAMA GIVES HER BELOVED KID.” She shared that there wasn't a moment when their arms weren't wrapped around somebody.

Hatmaker continued, “These were the dear hearts who said: ‘I miss this.’ ‘My mom doesn’t love me anymore.’ ‘My Dad hasn’t spoken to me in three years.’ ‘Please just one more hug.’” The author shared that the moms made sure every child knew, without a doubt, that they were deeply loved, valued, and irreplaceable. Hatmaker revealed that by the end of the parade, everyone was smiling, covered in glitter. As the post went viral on social media, netizens flocked to the comments section to shower the moms with love and praise.

On Instagram, a person, @narddr, commented, “I think this is how love looks like. I am so grateful for what you are doing, guys. I was reading about this and was almost crying. Thanks for doing such a thing. I think our heavenly Father is so proud of you.” Another person, @prairieburn.k9.academy.bc, echoed, “Everyone who participated in this simply put is an absolutely beautiful being. As a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I thank you all from the depths of my soul for doing this for the queer people out there, especially the young souls.” Similarly, @jaklam63142017 chimed, “You and your church are such beautiful people. I have a mom who supports me and loves me, but I know so many gay men and women who have no one. Thank you.”

Often queer kids whose parents do not accept them get pushed toward risky behaviors, including substance abuse or even self harm. So, even though Hatmaker and her church's gesture may seem small, it may very well have had a life-changing impact on the kids. In a similar incident, a dad from Pennsylvania, Howie Dittman, once gave more than 700 hugs at the Pittsburgh Pride Parade, as reported by CNN.