Oklahoma is not exactly known for being LGBT-friendly. Not so long ago, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin (along with other members of the GOP) agreed to a bill that allowed taxpayer-funded adoption agencies to turn down same-sex couples. The reason? Supposedly, the decision was to preserve “religious freedom,” and went ahead despite opposition from LGBT rights organisations and childcare agencies.
Still, before you give up on the state entirely, say hello to this Oklahoma mom-of-two who’s taking a stand for the LGBT community. Sara Cunningham’s son Parker is gay, and his coming out led her on a personal journey to helping others.
As a Christian, Sara was initially unsupportive of her son’s revelation. However, she soon changed her mind when she realised his rights would be affected, or as she posted to Facebook: “I never gave a rip about equal rights until my child didn’t have any.”
Now, the ordained minister works with Free Mom Hugs, an organization that brings the moms of LGBT kids together at the Expressions Community Center of Oklahoma City. She has also written a book called How We Sleep At Night: A Mother’s Memoir about coming to terms with her child’s sexuality, which has five stars on Amazon.
As well as officiating same-sex weddings, Sara also acts as a stand-in parent for LGBT individuals whose parents have disowned them.
Taking to Facebook to offer her services, 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.”
And people were more than supportive of her endeavour
Inspired by Sara’s kindness, others also offered to help
Faith in humanity: Restored.
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