Mom Inspires Outpouring of Support With Offer to Attend LGBTQ Weddings for Absent Parents
While things might seem more divisive than ever in the U.S., one mom’s offer to attend LGBTQ weddings is drawing praise from all corners of the country for its message of love and togetherness.
Sara Cunningham of Oklahoma posted a PSA to Facebook on July 20, offering to act as anybody’s “biggest fan” at a same-sex wedding if the individual’s biological mom wouldn’t attend.
“PSA. If you need a mom to attend your same-sex wedding because your biological mom won’t. Call me. I’m there. I’ll be your biggest fan. I’ll even bring the bubbles,” wrote Cunningham.
In speaking with BuzzFeed News, Cunningham said she felt inspired to offer her support after speaking with many same-sex couples whose weddings she officiated.
“The post came from hearing from several same-sex couples — how their parents refuse to attend their wedding, or even acknowledge their relationships,” said Cunningham.
Cunningham’s offer wasn’t just about benevolence (though there’s clearly no shortage of it). The issue is also deeply personal to her. Cunningham’s son is gay and seeing some hatred directed at the LGBTQ community has helped inform her activism.
“I thought, ‘If my son is going to hell for being gay, I’m gonna fight for him like my hair is on fire,'” she told BuzzFeed. “…I’ve [been] fighting for him and the LGBTQ community like my hair is on fire because I’ve seen the power of what fear and ignorance can do.”
In 2016, Cunningham became an ordained minister and has now performed weddings – including same-sex marriages – all over Oklahoma.
After Cunningham posted her offer, an outpouring of support flooded her page. The post has received more than 8,000 likes and shares (as of press time), and has inspired other moms and dads across the country to step up. According to BuzzFeed, Cunningham has agreed to attend six weddings so far.
“People need hope — I sure do — and we need to be that for each other in any way, shape, or form,” said Cunningham. “Hope never disappoints.”
If you love this message of hope, please SHARE Cunningham’s amazing story with your friends.
