At the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles, actress Jamie Lee Curtis surprised the crowd when she came onstage to introduce Sara Cunningham, founder of Free Hug Moms.

Free Mom Hugs was launched after Sara Cunningham posted an offer on Facebook that she would stand-in for moms who are not accepting during same-sex weddings. Her post went viral, ultimately launching a movement of love and affirmation that Cunningham is leading. Free Hug Moms now has chapters across the U.S. and provides assistance to LGBTQ people in need – from helping trans youth with legal name changes to support at same-sex weddings. The organizations spreads “love for the LGBTQ community through hugs and grass-roots action.”

Cunningham’s story eventually caught the attention of Hollywood icon Jamie Lee Curtis. Inspired by her powerful story, Curtis purchased the rights to Cunningham’s memoir and plans to bring it to movie screens in an upcoming film entitled ‘How We Sleep At Night.’

Cunningham, who attended the event with her gay son Parker, gave one of the most impassioned speeches during the GLAAD Media Awards as she spoke to all moms: “I want this message to come through loud and clear: first and foremost: Parker, my son, I love you so much. And I want everyone to hear this, from a mother, a woman of faith, an American: we must love all our children equally, and we must all do our part to make sure that every one of them is accepted for who they are, protected by the law, and able to live the lives they love.”

During her presentation at the GLAAD Media Awards, Cunningham also spoke about working with the GLAAD Media Institute, a training program GLAAD hosts around the world to educate LGBTQ advocates and allies about best practices for sharing their stories. Additionally, Cunningham worked with GLAAD to recognize one of the LGBTQ community’s biggest allies – Ariadne Getty, President and Executive Director of the Ariadne Getty Foundation.

Ariadne Getty, President and Executive Director of the Ariadne Getty Foundation, announced a $15 million grant to launch the GLAAD Media Institute last year. AGF, which you can follow on Instagram, works with partners worldwide to improve the lives of individuals and communities through large-scale investments and hands-on advocacy. Getty, whose daughter Nats is an out artist and whose son August is an out fashion designer, is the namesake of GLAAD’s Ariadne Getty Ally Award, which was presented to Alyssa Milano in San Francisco last fall. Getty, a GLAAD Board Member, most recently spoke about LGBTQ issues during the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year.

Cunningham has brought her message of unconditional love around the country and has appeared on media outlets including the TODAY Show. Right after the GLAAD Media Awards, she flew to Tennessee for a Free Hug Moms event there.

You can keep up with the latest news about Free Hug Moms on Facebook and with the Ariadne Getty Foundaton on Instagram.