A father's hug goes a long way: Organization Free Mom Hugs offers comfort, support during Pride Month

Yahoo

14-06-2025

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — For many celebrating Pride Month, a simple hug can hold profound meaning, especially when it comes from someone filling the gap left by family rejection.
That's the mission behind Free Mom Hugs. This national nonprofit offers unconditional love and support to LGBTQ+ individuals by acting as surrogates for members of the community rejected by their parents.
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While the organization's name spotlights mothers, it's also drawing in dads like Peter Gess, a Little Rock volunteer who's become a steady presence alongside his wife at local Pride events.
'It has the name Free Mom Hugs, and that's super important,' Gess said. 'But especially for young members of the LGBTQ community, they may be more likely estranged from their father, and sometimes looking to see support from male figures.'
Gess recalled one moment that's stayed with him: at an early event, a young man looked into the tent and said, 'These mom hugs are great, but I really want a hug from a father.'
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It's moments like that fueling Gess's commitment to showing up, not to replace family, he said, but to stand in when someone needs love most.
'Everyone deserves love,' he said. 'We're not there to replace family; we're just there to help someone out when they might really need it.'
Free Mom Hugs chapters around the country frequently appear at Pride parades and community events, offering hugs, holding signs, and providing a safe space for those who may not feel accepted at home. For volunteers like Gess, the experience is as meaningful for them as it is for those they support.
'I think it's helped me appreciate my relationship with my father and my children even more,' he said. 'It's helped me see just how important fathers are in the world.'
This June, Community Bakery in Little Rock is hosting a fundraiser for the organization, with proceeds supporting local events and outreach.
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The group is also seeking new volunteers, especially parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, who want to be a loving presence for someone who may not have one.
'The family connection is super important for all kinds of people,' Gess said. 'When that goes missing, even for a short period, it can be really hard. If I can help even for a brief moment, that's a wonderful connection.'
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