Sara Cunningham is an LGBT+ ally from Oklahoma who works in an architecture firm.

Sara runs an organization called Free Mom Hugs that goes to a bunch of pride events nationwide and tells LGBT+ kids that they are loved and offer them “free mom hugs”.

She and other moms also talk to/work with parents whose kids just came out and want to understand who their kids are or unlearn homophobia.

Earlier this week on Facebook, Cunningham offered to attend any LGBT+ wedding as a “stand-in mom” for those whose parents have failed to recognise or accept their marriage.

She said: “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.”

Many have been really moved by the gesture with hundreds of other Moms across the world pledging their support for same-sex couples, saying they will be a stand-in mom if needed too.

Cunningham told BuzzFeed News that having a gay son has directed 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 said. “Since then I’ve gotten educated and no longer believe that — so now 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.”

She is also an ordained minister and has married many LGBT+ people from all over Oklahoma since 2016.

She said that she felt inspired to make this offer after talking to lots of same-sex couples whose weddings she’s officiated.

“The post came from hearing from several same-sex couples — how their parents refuse to attend their wedding, or even acknowledge their relationships.”

So far, she has received six official wedding invitations. She still can’t believe the huge response to her post, but she can understand why so many people have been touched by it.

“People need hope — I sure do — and we need to be that for each other in any way, shape, or form,” she said. “Hope never disappoints.”

To find out more about Sara’s activism see freemomhugs.org