Church Moms Offer Hugs At Pride Parade To Those Left Isolated By Judgemental Parents

As members of the LGBTQ+ community gathered for the Austin Pride parade last August, one church community took to the streets to offer ‘Mom Hugs’, ‘Dad Hugs’, ‘Grana Hugs’, and ‘Pastor Hugs’ to those who have been rejected by their families for just being who they are.

(Photo Credit: Instagram @jenhatmaker)

Coming out about your true identity can be an immensely difficult process for people, and can leave individuals isolated from friends, families and society in general. Therefore, one church group decided to offer their support to those who have been left without families due to simply being honest about their true selves in a move so amazingly uplifting that it leaves the heart feeling considerably warmer just for knowing it happened!

(Photo Credit: Instagram @jenhatmaker)

Jen Hatmaker, New York Times bestselling Author, Podcaster and blogger shared the amazing story of her church’s day at the parade on her Instagram page, and captioned the truly emotional photographs:

“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.”

(Photo Credit: Instagram @jenhatmaker)

Jen went on to say:

‘Our arms were never empty. We “happy hugged” a ton of folks, but dozens of times, I’d spot someone in the parade look our way, squint at our shirts and posters, and RACE into our arms. 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.”’

(Photo Credit: Instagram @jenhatmaker)

The inclusion of ‘Pastor Hugs’ seems particularly powerful, as many members of the LGBTQ+ community can feel isolated from their religious institutions that they have been a part of their whole life, institutions which are supposed to show support for their community at times of real need yet some still feel negatively about the LGBTQ+ community. Thankfully this shows that there are churches out there supportive of the LGBTQ+ movement.

(Photo Credit: Instagram @jenhatmaker)

Overall though, the post speaks for itself – that being a simple message to love one another regardless of who we happen to love. And yes, it may sound a bit like I’m just wearing a 60s tie-dye shirt and burning incense sticks by saying that, but it’s true. There are so many people that feel unable to be themselves just because of lingering prejudices in a supposedly modern age. If people like this church group can continue to show their support for a world where nobody is left feeling isolated or rejected then that message could spread as far as freakin’ possible!

(Photo Credit: Instagram @jenhatmaker)

Jen ended her post with this photo of her all hugged out and, in her own words, ‘what you look like at the end of Pride covered in glitter, sweat, and more than a few tears.’

I can only hope that in the future people continue to show support for the LGBTQ+ community, and we continue to push for a world where nobody feels persecuted against simply for being themselves.  AAx

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