鈥淐an you imagine your mom not giving you a hug?鈥�
That was the question that inspired a group of Tri-Cities mothers to contact the for permission to offer free 鈥渕om hugs鈥� at this year鈥檚 annual Pride Parade.
Heather Anne Hooton, founder and executive director of the (TCMG), said when the idea was put to the 8,500-member group, the response was immediate. TCMG is dedicated to raising funds and promoting initiatives that assist local children and families in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.
The moms and some family members plan to set up at the end of the Pride Parade route near Sunset Beach and offer a hug to whoever needs one. The group will be recognizable by the 鈥淔ree Mom Hugs鈥� T-shirts they鈥檒l be wearing. The T-shirts were designed by Candace Grewal, owner of Vancouver-based Ella Grey, an online boutique that supports local moms and .
Hooton said the group, which includes same-sex moms, was already trying to find ways to be even more inclusive so when this idea came up, many of the member moms immediately got on board. She added it hit home when a member told her that when some of her friends told their parents they were members of the LGBTQ2SI+ community they were disowned.
鈥淐an you imagine your mom not hugging you because of your lifestyle and how devastating that would be?鈥� asked Hooton. 鈥淚 have two little girls who I love so much, so I鈥檇 love to be there for other people.鈥�
The moms are also concerned about the increase in hate crimes towards LGBTQ2SI+ members of Greater 麻豆传媒映画and the Lower Mainland, including the theft of Pride flags, the vandalizing of rainbow crosswalks, anti-SOGI rhetoric and homophobic and transphobic speakers who are allowed to speak publically. SOGI stands for the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities 123 curriculum being taught in B.C. schools. Disturbed by these acts of hate, members of TCMG want to show the LGBTQ2SI+ community that they have many mom allies supporting them by way of a hug.
鈥淏ecause, who doesn鈥檛 want a good mom hug?鈥� said Hooton, who will be handing out hugs alongside her daughters Reilly, 10, and Sophie, six.
Andrea Arnot, executive director for the 麻豆传媒映画Pride Society, said she鈥檚 aware of the success of similar initiatives in other cities across North America, including at the recent World Pride Parade in New York City, so welcomes the idea for here at home.
鈥淚t went over really well and parade participants really appreciated it,鈥� said Arnot.
Arnot said that even in 2019, there is often still a stigma attached to youth coming out to their parents, friends and family. She added many young members of the LGBTQ2SI+ community have struggled with rejection from their biological families.
鈥淪o this is a really lovely thing to do, to offer that love and support,鈥� said Arnot. 鈥淚t adds to their personal experience.鈥�
Arnot said a lot of people taking part in the 麻豆传媒映画Pride Parade are newly out and upon finishing the march will be experiencing an 鈥渆motional high.鈥�
鈥淚t will be nice after that to have a really meaningful hug,鈥� said Arnot. 鈥淚t will really add to their experience.鈥�
The 麻豆传媒映画Pride Parade takes place Sunday, Aug. 4 from 11 to 6 p.m. For a complete schedule of Pride Week in Vancouver, visit . Members of TCMG will also be offering free mom hugs at the on Saturday, Aug. 17.
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