LGBTea of Chester County: Community Partner Award

This is a piece I wrote for The Gay St. Gazette Newsletter, it is the slightly longer version. The LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County offers this newsletter monthly to its subscribers.

If you are interested in subscribing click here.

and scroll to the bottom to subscribe.

---

The LGBTea of Chester County: Community Partner Award

Mark your calendars for February 21st, 2025! The LGBTea of Chester County will be hosting our annual gala, The Disco Ball: Boogie and Bling, at the Desmond Hotel in Malvern, PA. Each year, we honor a member or group within our community with the prestigious Community Partner Award.

In 2024, we were thrilled to present the award to Free Mom Hugs Pennsylvania - Philadelphia Chapter. Free Mom Hugs is not just an organization- it’s a movement of love, compassion, and unwavering support. Throughout the 2023 season, they were a constant, uplifting presence at every LGBTea event, regardless of size.

Whether offering hugs of all types, kind smiles, fist bumps, or even high fives (because hugs aren’t for everyone), the volunteers of Free Mom Hugs make you feel seen, valued, and embraced. Their dedication to showing up and inspiring others is why they were so deserving of this recognition.

But what drives this incredible group? What inspires these volunteers to give so selflessly of their time and love? To find out, I had the opportunity to interview three amazing huggers: Cindy, Jenn, and Kate.

---

The Heart of Free Mom Hugs

For Jenn, the journey began with her daughter’s coming out. “I’m not great with words, but I can fight with what I have—love and positivity,” she shares.

Cindy also found her way to Free Mom Hugs as a way to channel fear and uncertainty into pride and celebration. “It gave me a way to connect with others and show up for the community. It’s been life-changing,” she says. When asked what being part of Free Mom Hugs means to her personally, Cindy added, “It’s not just about hugs. It’s about showing up when others can’t, and being a source of love when it’s needed most.”

Kate, a queer mother herself, joined Free Mom Hugs to give back after her own challenging coming-out experience. “I didn’t have the support I needed in my late teens. Now, I want to ensure others feel celebrated and loved.”

---

Memories that Stay with You

Cindy recalls the moment at her first Pride event when someone yelled, “The moms are here!” and people ran to her for hugs. “It was a spark of joy mixed with the poignant emotions of those who needed love.”

The most unforgettable moments for Jenn are when someone collapses into her arms, overwhelmed by the feeling of being truly seen.

Kate shared a touching memory of a nonverbal autistic teen who hugged her—a gesture his mother said he had never done with anyone else. “These moments remind us why we do what we do,” she says.

When asked what has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her involvement with Free Mom Hugs, Kate said, “It’s the small moments, the ones that don’t always get recognition but mean the world to someone—like when a teen hugs me for the first time because they’ve never felt truly accepted.”

The impact of their work is felt deeply, not just by those they hug but by the huggers themselves.

---

More than Just Hugs

The mission of Free Mom Hugs extends far beyond physical embraces. “We’re here year round, whether it’s attending weddings for those without family support, helping school GSAs, or offering pom-poms as portable hugs,” Cindy explains.

Jenn adds, “Even if you’re not a hugger, you can still make a difference. A smile or a wave can mean just as much.”

Kate echoes this, emphasizing that love comes in many forms. “It’s about showing love in whatever way works for you. We’re all part of a bigger picture.”

When reflecting on challenges they’ve faced, Cindy admits that it’s not always easy to remain emotionally available, especially in tough moments. “But in those times, I remind myself why I’m doing this. I’m here for others, and even when it’s hard, showing up is everything.”

Join Us at The Disco Ball

This year, we’re excited to once again honor a deserving member of our community with the Community Partner Award. Who will receive this recognition? Find out by joining us at The Disco Ball: Boogie and Bling!

Purchase tickets to The Disco Ball: Boogie and Bling! click here

Want to be involvd with Free Mom Hugs-

visit the link here