LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A nonprofit organization made up of moms, friends and allies has come together to accept, love and support the LGBTQ community and it all starts with a single hug.

Free Mom Hugs was founded by Sara Cunningham after becoming an advocate of the LGBTQ community through a relationship with her gay son. The group was founded in 2014 and since have formed chapters across the country with thousands of parents and allies joining the movement.

“There are so many people in this world that just need love,”Parker said. “I think a lot of people are starved for love and particularly the LGBTQ community. They need to know that people care about them, that they are important, that they are worthy of love.”

After her son came out when he was ten years old, Parker joined a Facebook group for LGBTQ moms where she met Sara Cunningham.

“The classic story you hear all the time, it was an ostracization in the church we attended. There were comments made by family members that were not what we wanted them to be so it really kind of severed some ties,” Parker said.

Parker has been a member and the Kentucky state chapter leader since the group became an established 501 © (3) nonprofit organization in 2018. Giving out hugs across the state of Kentucky.

“Sara Cunningham calls it the spark, it’s when you really make a connection with someone and that hug becomes really really meaningful,” Parker said.

A simple gesture, that means the world to the person receiving it.

“It was kind of heartwarming because to know that people love you for who you are,” Lily Doyle said.

That’s why Parker continues to do what she does.

“It’s a good feeling to help others in the world, and if I can be there for one person on one day, then it makes me feel good as a mutual benefit,” Parker said.

Free Mom Hugs Kentucky Chapter took part in 50-75 events around the state last year and will be at the Lexington, Kentucky Pride Festival on June 25.