Why I Started This
Years ago, I had the honor (and thrill) of playing ‘Goofy’, ‘Tigger’, ‘Captain Hook’ and many other Characters at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. During my time there, I hugged MANY people who visited the park. People of all ages, nationalities, languages – but the universal language is a hug. Nearly everyone wanted a hug with a Character – whether they got a photo, or an autograph – everyone wanted a hug. I learned then what an incredible thing it is to hold another person and give them the close experience that only a hug can give.
In 2019, when I first donned a ‘FREE DAD HUGS’ shirt at Twin Cities Pride, I found the incredible power that ‘Dad hugs’ have on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, especially youth. So many young people are not out to family – and that hurts. Being the dad to someone to show them love, and pride, and affection – is everything. And I’ve heard this from every mom, sister, brother who has hugged with me. And every year it gets better.
For three years I’ve paid out of pocket, usually ending up $700-$1,000 in the red – but it’s all worth it. TC Pride is best then I end the day sweaty, sunburned, and covered in glitter. And full of the memories of a day well spent in adding to the joyful experience of living ‘out’ – if only for one day, one weekend – for all who only get that one day.
FREE HUGS
What began as just wanting to provide more hugs by having a set location with a sign to draw people in, became a life-changing experience for me and every hugger I’ve brought with me. Everyone has had a wonderful experience to share, and every hug has given someone the knowledge that they ARE loved, and that someone IS proud of them, and will hold them in their heart.
GENDER-AFFIRMING CLOTHING
TRANSactions(TM) purchases gender-affirming clothing to trans youth, providing them beautiful steps into their new lives – confirmation of the person they’ve ALWAYS been – but never were able to live as openly. Donate clothes. Donate money. Or best of all – BUY new gender-affirming clothing, and deliver it to Rainbow Wardrobe in Minneapolis to put a smile on the face and in the heart of a young person taking their steps into their new life.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
The Patricence Foundation works with other organizations to promote inclusivity, safer lives for 2SLGBTQIA+ citizens, and greater allyship for their families, friends, and neighbors. Among the organizations we are allied with are The Quorum, and Thrivent.
My first TC Pride booth
I didn’t know what to expect. I’d volunteered many times since 2018 at Twin Cities Pride, but never ran a booth. I had to learn EVERYTHING – how to apply, finding a booth location, what equipment I’d need...
Designing and buying ‘FREE Mom/Dad HUGS’ shirts to sell to help pay for everything (I’ve been out of pocket every year – but who cares), recruiting huggers, scheduling them. Picking up my ‘booth packet’ with my official booth number, info, maps – I still get a thrill when I drive down to pick that up.
Setting up the day before, and setting out shirts, putting up the sign (I sewed this myself), setting up the QR codes for shirt sales and volunteering for future Pride Events.
In the Community
