Sally Beauty reinforces commitment to LGBTQIA+ community with Free Mom Hugs partnership.

Sally Beauty is partnering with Free Mom Hugs for the second consecutive year to support the LGBTQIA+ community. The retailer will be present in five US cities to celebrate the community through events, reinforcing its commitment to community-building, self-expression, and inclusion. The partnership aims to empower the world to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community through visibility and education.

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. (SBH) has announced its continued partnership with Free Mom Hugs for the second consecutive year to support the LGBTQIA+ community. The retailer will be present in five U.S. cities to celebrate the community through events, reinforcing its commitment to community-building, self-expression, and inclusion.

The partnership, part of Sally Beauty's Rooted in Success event series, will see the company host booths at local Pride festivals and parades in Washington, D.C., Dallas, San Francisco, Denver, and New York City throughout June. At these events, Sally Beauty will distribute 5,000 gift cards to attendees, encouraging self-confidence and self-expression. Free Mom Hugs volunteers will join in the celebrations by offering hugs, high-fives, affirmations, and emotional support.

Sara Cunningham, Founder of Free Mom Hugs, said, "Partnering with Sally Beauty during Pride is more than just a celebration—it's a powerful statement of visibility and affirmation. Together, we're creating spaces where authenticity is celebrated, beauty is inclusive, and everyone feels seen, valued, and loved."

John Goss, President of Sally Beauty, added, "Inspiring individuality and creating a space where all are welcome is at the heart of what we do. Our Rooted in Success event series, along with our partnership with Free Mom Hugs, is a testament to our commitment to inclusion by ensuring Sally Beauty communities feel seen, supported, and celebrated."

In addition to the local Pride celebrations, Sally Beauty is spotlighting LGBTQIA+ founders and creators across its digital channels to drive storytelling and spark meaningful conversation. These include Brad Mondo, Jesseca Dupart, Brian O'Connor, Amy Errett, Joey Jay, Gregory Patterson, Matt Newman, and Jonathan Monroe, among others.

The partnership comes amid a broader trend of increased support for the LGBTQIA+ community. However, it also follows recent closures of LGBTQIA+ centers at universities across the country due to state legislation prohibiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. As of August 2024, at least 31 gender- and sexuality-based resource centers have shuttered across 23 college campuses, including 16 LGBTQIA+ centers [2].

References:

[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sally-beauty-partners-with-free-mom-hugs-to-support-the-lgbtqia-community-at-local-pride-events-across-the-nation-302466340.html
[2] https://www.teenvogue.com/story/college-campuses-closing-womens-lgbtq-centers