Was that your kid? We hugged them

I went to Iowa City Pride to help with Free Mom Hugs last month. Just wondering, was that your kid who sobbed uncontrollably in my arms? She was the young girl who was afraid to be herself around you because she knows you will reject her. Was that your kid? Don't worry, I hugged her.

Was that your kid who was wearing a skirt and heels for the first time and whispered to me they finally felt free and beautiful? Was that your kid? Don't worry, I hugged them.

Was that your kid who embraced one of the male huggers, cried hard and said, "Happy Father's Day, I haven't talked to my dad in years, I really miss him." Was that your kid? Don't worry, we hugged her.

Was that your kid who had a broken fingernail and shyly asked me if I had a file and some nail glue because her own mother "didn't love her anymore?" Was that your kid? Don't worry, I hugged her. And we fixed her nail.

Were those your kids who are allies and had shocked looks on their faces after hearing the hateful threats spewed out by the protesters? Were they your scared kids? Don't worry, we calmed them, and we hugged them too.

Was it your shy kid who kept watching nervously from a distance but never came close enough for a hug? I hope somebody hugged him.

We hugged hundreds of folks of every color, age and gender that day. There was a common theme: they were all missing a human connection and were eager to feel a warm embrace. Even if it was from a complete stranger. Repeat — they wanted a hug from a total stranger because they have no parent present in their life to love and support them. Can you imagine being rejected by your own parents simply for living your true, authentic life? The impacts of this are far-reaching. Nearly half of all LGBTQ youth have considered taking their own lives while nearly one in five transgender and nonbinary youth have attempted suicide.

Folks, we need to get back to loving our kids exactly the way they are. When Jesus said "Love one another" he didn't just mean the straight ones. He meant everyone. Your kids are committing suicide at an alarming rate and would really love a hug from you now.

Robin Cecil lives in West Branch.