An Australian group that makes free hugs to the LGBTQIA + community says it is changing lives one hug at a time.
Sandy Collins started Free Mum Hugs Australia in 2019, based on a movement in the United States.
“They just wanted that unconditional love and acceptance,” Ms. Collins said.
“Some people have had suicidal thoughts.
“We don’t let go until they do, and they’re just blown away. Sometimes there’s silence and just tears. It’s very emotional.”
Sandy Collins says her son Nick is proud of his work with Free Mum Hugs Australia. (Supplied by: Sandy Collins)
If you or someone you know needs help:
Volunteer hugs attend pride and Mardi Gras events and give free hugs or hold a conversation with those who pass by.
Ms Collins said the catalyst to start the group was when her 19-year-old son, Nick, shared that he was gay.
“I was part of a fundamental church and it was a shock, because that wasn’t part of our worldview,” he said.
“We were taught that gays were abominations and promiscuous and this was my beautiful son who was only attracted to boys and not girls.”
He sought research and support and changed his “worldview.”
“I’m very sad to say he wouldn’t come out because I thought we would reject him and that breaks my heart that any father would reject his son,” he said.
“So it was really wonderful when he realized that we really accepted him and loved him unconditionally … and we said, ‘We love you exactly the way you are.’
But he has seen first hand that it is not an experience shared by everyone.
“We’ve heard stories about people who or never had had hugs from their parents for a long time and some of them hadn’t even seen or talked to their parents,” Ms. Collins said.
Hugs are needed now more than ever
Ms. Collins says the hug puppet worked well during the pandemic. (Supplied by: Sandy Collins)
Over the past four years, the group, which includes parents, siblings and extended family, has attended more than 20 events across Australia, giving hugs to Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
Even during the pandemic, the hugs had a safe COVID puppet that gave socially distant hugs.
As the world works with COVID, clamp Tasha Hungerford said now more than ever a warm hug was needed.
“There are people who say, ‘You know, a year or two ago I haven’t had a hug from anyone. It seems like no one accepts me and I don’t know who to talk to about things,'” he said. .
Ms. Hungerford points to a 12-month challenge for the LGBTQIA + community with the law on religious discrimination, federal elections, and, more recently, the restriction of FINA on transgender women competing in elite women’s swimming competitions.
Tash Hungerford says some people cry when they are hugged because “their family doesn’t want to hug them.” (ABC Sunshine Coast: Meg Bolton)
“People are really struggling not to feel accepted into the general community because of last year,” he said.
Ms Hungerford became involved in the initiative after her son shared his gender identity about five years ago.
“They certainly face prejudice [supermarkets], [with] how they look and have a hard time getting a job, ”he said.
“Even though they are accepted into the family, it would be lovely for everyone in the community to accept them as they are: it’s not their choice, it’s just who they are.”
‘The best experience’
Miranda Butt has just completed her first event as a volunteer hug.
His initial apprehension did not last long.
“It was the best experience … being able to make other people feel cared for or loved in such a simple way, just by hugging,” he said.
Miranda Butt, with sons Jaya and Rahn, says her first event as a hug was “amazing and overwhelming.” (Supplied by: Miranda Butt)
One of those who first received a hug at the group’s most recent event at Sunshine Coast’s Mardi Gras was teen Ella Davidson, who identifies as a lesbian.
He said he was “lucky” that his family had been “really accepting” his sexuality.
But the 16-year-old was still comforted with a warm hug.
“Sometimes the days are a little harder, like trying to fit in, I guess.
Mrs. Davidson was one of many people who received a hug at the Sunshine Coast Mardi Gras. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Meg Bolton)
“There’s … the rule that you have to conform to and force yourself to do even if you don’t relate to it.”
She said growing up on the “conservative” Sunshine Coast as a young, gay woman had been mostly positive.
“There are always some people who can take a side look at you if you grab the hand of someone who isn’t the norm, but other than that, I’ve had a pretty good experience,” he said.
“It’s much more acceptable.”
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“Only love your child”
Ivan Weigh has been hugging for over a year.
As a father of transgender and bisexual children, he said it was important for men to be involved as well.
“A lot of parents don’t understand kids … they just have to let the kids be themselves, be it a boy, a girl or whatever they want to be,” he said.
While “Mom” is in the group’s name, so do the siblings and parents, including Ivan Weigh. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Meg Bolton)
Mrs. Collins, who has gotten hundreds of hugs, agrees.
“There are statistics that say children who have acceptance are much less likely to commit suicide or even have suicidal thoughts,” he said.
“The biggest difference is loving your child. Don’t argue about things, just go research and love your child.”
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Posted 12 hours, 12 hours ago, Friday, June 24, 2022 at 11:59 PM, updated 11 hours, 11 hours ago, Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 1:05 AM