A Group of Moms Will Be Giving Out Hugs At The Vancouver Pride Parade

Physiologically, a good hug can release oxytocin hormones that reduce stress and blood pressure.

Emotionally, a good hug can be comforting and liberating. Hugs are communicative, without a single word being uttered.

That’s what a group of local moms hope to provide during this year’s Pride festivities.

The Tri-City Moms Group

Talking to News 1130, Heather Hooton, Founder and Executive Director of the Tri-City Moms Group, said:

“I think all of us want to set a good example for children […] And me personally, I would never want my girls to think that they wouldn’t get a hug from me if they decided that one day, they were going to tell me that they were gay. I would just hug them and tell them how much I love them.”

According to Hooton, the 8,500 member group of moms, some of which are LGBTQ2SI+ themselves, were looking for ways to be even more inclusive than they already were. She says the idea really resonated with her “when a member told her that when some of her friends told their parents they were members of the LGBTQ2SI+ community, they were disowned.”

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Vancouver Pride

Vancouver is not alone. The Free Mom Hugs organization (no official relationship with the Tri-City Moms Group) has chapters in all 50 U.S. states. Moms in Eastern Canada are doing the same. A dad in Pittsburgh went viral after he was spotted giving out free hugs.

The Vancouver moms are planning to station themselves at the end of the pride parade route, near Sunset Beach, and will be wearing shirts that say “Free Mom Hugs.” Members of the group are also planning on attending the New Westminster Pride Street Festival.

The Vancouver Pride Parade will take place on Sunday, August 4th, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. The New West Pride Street Festival is on Saturday, August 17th, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

For more Pride coverage, stay tuned to 604 Now.

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