We’re looking forward to introducing you to Alexandria Friedlander. Check out our conversation below.
Alexandria, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
In today’s world, self-acceptance often feels like an uphill battle. We’re constantly surrounded by images of perfection, curated feeds, filtered moments, and endless comparisons that make it easy to question our own worth. I’ve felt it too, that quiet pressure to measure up, to appear a certain way, to be “enough.”
But somewhere along the way, I realized that being my genuine and unapologetic self is far more powerful than trying to fit into someone else’s idea of who I should be. Authenticity is beautiful, even when it’s messy. It’s the courage to stand in your truth, to show up as you are, and to understand that not everyone will appreciate or accept you, and that’s perfectly okay. The ones who do are the ones who truly matter.
I’m still learning what it means to live this way. There are parts of myself I’m working on, things I struggle with, and days when it’s easier to hide behind the illusion of “having it all together.” But I’m committed to being real with myself and with others. Because growth doesn’t happen in perfection; it happens in honesty.
Every morning, I remind myself to be grateful. Grateful for another day to evolve, to heal, and to work toward becoming the best version of myself. Life isn’t about flawless progress; it’s about showing up with authenticity and grace, even when things aren’t perfect.
In a world obsessed with comparison, I’m choosing authenticity. I’m choosing self-acceptance. And most of all, I’m choosing to keep becoming, one honest day at a time.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve dedicated my life to reminding people of the simple, transformative power of human connection. Through my projects, The Hug Movement and LezPod, I am trying to spark change rooted in empathy, authenticity, and love with one hug, one story, and one conversation at a time.
I started The Hug Movement in 2019, when I was suffering heavily through a sudden bout of depression. I was allowing my circumstances to dictate the happiness I wasn’t allowing myself to create. I pushed away my family and friends, poured myself into work, and tried to fill the emptiness with success. But deep down, I was lonely. One day, I found myself craving something so simple, a hug. In Narcotics Anonymous, I learned the importance of hugs and how they represent love, understanding, and presence. They remind us how precious life and connection truly are. And I realized, the world just isn’t hugging enough.
So I decided to do something about it. I grabbed a white tank top, wrote “Free Hugs” in bold letters, and stood outside a CVS with flowers in hand, offering hugs to anyone who needed one. At first, people looked at me like I was crazy. But then, people started saying yes. They started opening up. And I’ll never forget the look of relief, of comfort, of human connection in those moments. From that day forward, The Hug Movement became more than a gesture, it became a mission to remind people that kindness, compassion, and empathy are the threads that hold us together.
In April 2020, during the height of the pandemic, I launched LezPod, a platform dedicated to amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and creating space for connection, authenticity, and community. As I was filming an event in Miami, I realized how disconnected people felt, even surrounded by others. I saw how much the lesbian community was missing positivity, encouragement, and genuine support. So, I decided to build it. with LezMiami, a positivity-driven page focused on connection, and Safe Space, a weekly online support group for women and anyone who identifies as female. Safe Space continues to thrive as a sanctuary for open conversation, vulnerability, and healing.
Both LezPod and The Hug Movement were born from pain but they’ve turned into platforms for purpose. My mission is to give hope to those who feel unseen, unheard, or unappreciated for being exactly who they are. We are not alone, and sometimes, a simple act of kindness can be the thing that saves a life.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world has been my time in Narcotics Anonymous. Working on myself, healing past traumas, and following the principles of the 12 steps taught me that I have the ability to change, to become the person I’ve always dreamed of being, even when I didn’t believe it was possible.
I learned the profound importance of asking for help, even when pride or fear tells me not to. I discovered the power of being there for others, even when my instinct is to be selfish, and how that gives me the ability to love and like myself more. Being free from using substances to numb my feelings has allowed me to truly appreciate life, the good, the indifferent, and even the hard moments in a way I never could before.
Most importantly, I learned to stay open-minded, to never assume I know everything, and to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. Every experience, every connection, and every lesson helps me become a better version of myself and empowers me to live authentically, with empathy and purpose.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
For a long time, I thought I had to appear strong, capable, and in control; even when inside, I was struggling. It wasn’t until my time in Narcotics Anonymous, working through past traumas and following the 12 steps, that I realized vulnerability isn’t weakness. In fact, embracing my pain has been the greatest source of power in my life. Being free from substances allowed me to face life, both its joys and indifference with clarity, gratitude, and strength.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’ve come to understand that the public version of myself, the version people see, is the real me. That version is authentic, imperfect, and ever-evolving. I don’t pretend to have it all figured out, and I’ve learned to embrace my flaws as part of my journey.
I fall short sometimes. I make mistakes. I have moments of doubt, impatience, and ego-driven impulses. But I work very hard to let my heart lead, to arrest my ego, to act with compassion, and to use my experiences, pain, and vulnerability as tools to connect and uplift others. I’ve realized that authenticity isn’t about being flawless; it’s about showing up fully, honestly, and courageously, even when it’s uncomfortable.
This approach guides everything I do. With The Hug Movement, I don’t just give hugs, I give connection, empathy, and a reminder that it’s okay to be human. Standing outside with a “Free Hugs” sign, I’m fully present, exposing my own longing for connection while creating space for others to feel seen and valued.
Similarly, with LezPod and Safe Space, I share stories, struggles, and lessons openly. I create platforms where vulnerability is strength, and authenticity is celebrated. I’ve learned that when we embrace who we truly are including our imperfections, we not only empower ourselves, we inspire others to do the same.
Living authentically requires courage. It means resisting the temptation to hide behind ego, social expectations, or fear of judgment. It means allowing people to see both your strength and your struggle. And it means using your own heart as a compass, letting empathy, kindness, and love guide every choice, interaction, and initiative.
At the core of everything I do, from sharing hugs to amplifying voices through storytelling, is the belief that real connection and change come from authenticity. When we embrace ourselves fully, flaws and all, we create ripples of hope for those who feel unseen, unheard, or unappreciated.
Because at the end of the day, being truly authentic isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up as yourself, being brave enough to share your heart, and using every part of your story, even the painful parts, to make the world a little brighter.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’ve come to realize that I am doing exactly what I was born to do, helping others, bringing people together, and creating peace in a world that often feels chaotic. This is my purpose, my calling, and it guides every decision I make, every project I pursue, and every conversation I have. My legacy isn’t measured by accolades or recognition; it’s measured by the lives I touch, the hope I inspire, and the connections I foster. It’s about creating ripples of compassion that outlast me and reminding people that they are never truly alone.
Through The Hug Movement and LezPod, I aim to leave the world a little brighter than I found it, to show that even in chaos, love, kindness, and hope can flourish. My mission, my life’s work, and ultimately my legacy is to make people feel seen, valued, and empowered to embrace their authentic selves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thehugmovement.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehugmovement
- Twitter: https://x.com/thehugmovement
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehugmovement
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjE4HKhufqqqO7Kg5Xusxsw
