Woman offers to be stand-in mum for same-sex weddings

Author Sara Cunningham has become a self-confessed “accidental activist” for LGBTQ kids by offering to be a stand-in mum at any wedding where the biological parents refuse to attend.

The Oklahoma resident posted a sweet message on her Facebook profile, not expecting it would go viral.

“PSA. If you need a mom to attend your same sex wedding because your biological mum won’t. Call me. I’m there. I’ll be your biggest fan. I’ll even bring the bubbles,” her post read.

In the five days since she posted the heartfelt message, Cunningham’s post has received more than 8,000 shares and likes.

The caring woman was overwhelmed by the response.

“I’ve received at least 450 FB friend requests and I can’t keep up with the private messages. Some of them are haunting,” she tweeted.

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

She also received many messages of support for her simple but powerful gesture.

Her post even prompted other “stand-in mums” to offer the same service in other locations.

“I will be a mum to anyone in west Michigan! I can even throw in some supportive siblings, too!” one Facebook user wrote.

Another shared they would even travel for the cause: “Illinois mum here – will travel to Wisconsin and Indiana, too!”

People from, Utah, Nebraska and central Texas all offered to be a stand-in mum for those in need and many said they were keen to be contacted if someone simply needed a chat.

A reminder that, sometimes, a simple dose of kindness is truly the best medicine.