The 2nd Annual Wichita Falls Pride in the Park happened in Lucy Park today and it was a smashing success, with everything you would expect from a Pride event — food, entertainers, vendors, and every color of the rainbow on full display.
We felt very lucky that we got to meet Sara Cunningham, the national founder of Free Mom Hugs. Sara, an Oklahoma resident, has a compelling story about how she founded the organization, which now has chapters all over the country. From the organization’s website:
Free Mom Hugs was founded by Sara Cunningham, a Christian mother in conservative Oklahoma, who spent years rejecting her son Parker's sexuality, after he came out to her. Conflicted by her love for her son and her spirituality, Sara exhaustively searched faith and sexuality for answers. What she learned would transform her journey from the church to the pride parade.
As Sara became involved in the LGBTQIA+ community, the hurt, shame and injustice they frequently experience was painfully clear. Remembering that she too was once in the crowd that rejected this loving, vibrant 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. She offered hugs to anyone who made eye contact. The first hug Sara gave was to a beautiful girl who whispered, “It’s been four years since I got a hug from my mom because I’m a lesbian.” Sara embraced her and hundreds more that day, and many shared similar stories with every embrace.
That day Free Mom Hugs — a nationwide movement of love, visibility and acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community — was born.
We’re told this year’s event surpassed the size of the first annual event last year by about triple. Here’s to another great event next year!
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Beautiful photos and words!