Our struggle is all about love and acceptance, and its most universal symbol is a hug. Many LGBTI campaigns draw from the power of free hugs, and this article provides some great examples.
The first time Rede Ex Aequo did something on IDAHOT was in 2010. The idea was to go to a public space and bring visibility to the discrimination LGBT people face. Through a simple gift—a free hug—accompanied by a bag with info on the day, data on discrimination, and souvenirs, the people on the street would be engaged and informed, and by hugging people, they would develop empathy towards the other.
In the events leading up to Pride March 2018, QKnit organised its Queer Hugs campaign at Shivaji Park to sensitise people, create awareness, and, most importantly, start conversations about LGBTQIA+ rights and the issues they face in society.
This powerful experiment from Sweden is an excellent example of how to revive the almost worn-out tactic of free hugs, making them more political. Truly beautiful.
This experiment has been a staple in Pride marches and other campaigns worldwide and shows how powerful a hug can be. Sometimes, adding a human touch to your campaign is all that’s needed.
