I volunteered with Free Mom Hugs at the Clayton Pride Festival. I expected to spend the day helping others. Instead, I left changed.
I’d never attended a Pride event before. I didn’t know anyone there, I arrived by myself, and I didn’t know what to expect.
What’s it like to hug people when I know nothing about them—and they know nothing about me?
What’s it like to hug someone who needs a hug so badly that they’re willing to accept one from a complete stranger?
In some ways, I felt brave just showing up. I was stepping into an unfamiliar environment, meeting new people, and volunteering for something I had no experience with and didn’t fully understand.
Sure, I’m outgoing, and I connect with people easily. I even hug strangers when they initiate it, usually after a brief but very meaningful conversation.
But that’s just it—there’s a conversation first.
This event was different.