Parker Cunningham

LGBTQ+ Advocate

Parker is a mixed media artist and singer songwriter. A person of many creative talents, his voice is invaluable in speaking for LGBTQ+ youths. Parker came out to his family several different times, but his mother – Free Mom Hugs founder Sara Cunningham – didn’t accept his sexuality from her religious stand point. His navigation through being gay in a conservative, faith-based community without support from the church or family members forced him to educate himself and find his voice. “I finally realized I had to stand up not just for myself, but for my community,” he said. This lead him to an important lunch and ultimatum for Sara: to stand beside him or without him. Sara then educated herself, and their journey forward lead her to becoming an affirming parent, allowing them to work together as advocates.

Parker’s LGBTQ+ advocacy really began in a salon chair. As a hair stylist of 10 years, specializing in tutorials and styles for those transitioning through gender reassignment, Parker also had a largely LGBTQ+ clientele. Now he puts his experience to use with Free Mom Hugs.

“It’s overwhelming sometimes talking about the hard ships every day but I’m learning to grow from that, too,” he said. “I want to represent the LGBTQ+ youth. I want to be the resource and safe place that I needed for the kids now.”