When Steve Kempke first shared his story with Pride in Agriculture three years ago, his words sparked meaningful conversations about authenticity, leadership, and what it means to show up fully in our workplaces and communities with allies.
Today, we welcome him back with an update that reflects his journey and how powerful allyship and courage can be. Whether you’re meeting Steve for the first time or have followed his journey since that first post, his reflections resonate deeply with anyone navigating visibility and belonging in agriculture.
Allyship At Work
It’s been 3 years since I first shared my story with Ryan Goodman and Pride in Agriculture. Much of what I shared in that story is still true to this day, but what has meant more to me than anything is the power of the allyships I have gained from sharing my story. 3 years ago, I was still scared to share who I was when I would first meet new people. Through the support of many of my allies and friends at work, I have found the courage to be more open.
One of my mentors at MWI Animal Health, Tim Peart, challenged all of us to find a word of the year. In 2024, my word of the year was “balance.” I stayed on track with finding the all-important work-life balance that working professionals need to stay their very best. 2024 was an eventful year for me in reaching new milestones with work and life, but there came a point at the end of the year when I was weeks deep into a big project that I found myself struggling.
Finding Courage in the Workplace
I was invited to a Christmas Party and still played the role of “having a wife,” not a husband. I was sitting in my hotel room after the party when I selected my word of the year for 2025, which is “courage.”
I was tired of hiding the aspect of my life that means the most to me. My husband is my world and my rock to keep me grounded and focused. Much of my success in agriculture comes from his love, appreciation, and support.
In early January, I found the courage to openly share more about who I am with new people and now when asked about “my wife” I am quick to respond with “my husband” and have received nothing but support. I have gained many new allies at work, and this April, I had a chance to have my husband, Brian, travel to Amarillo with me to meet my team and colleagues.
I was honestly overwhelmed with the response and forever grateful for the outpouring of support he received. I can so freely talk about life with anyone at work and I always get questions about Brian. My closest allies have become great friends and people I can lean on when things seem out of kilter.
As a people leader, I am always challenged when I hire new talent. I kept my personal life to myself and didn’t share much of it with anyone that I interviewed and eventually hired. In most of those cases, I was outed before I got the chance to tell a new hire about me. While it made it easier sometimes, we all know that coming out is a very personal process and one that never seems to end. We constantly meet new people and never quite sure how someone will react. As a 46-year-old gay man, I haven’t had any negative reaction when I do come out. Those that I consider allies are always there to lend their support when I need it most.
Advice for Allies and LGBTQ+ People
If you’re considering becoming more visible as an ally, don’t hesitate. Your support, friendship, and love can make all the difference to those of us in the LGBTQ+ community. You make our lives worth living and easier for us to be our true authentic selves.
For those in the LGBTQ+ community working in agriculture, I offer this advice. Be open, but at the same time have the courage to accept that not everyone you meet will be supportive. Be who you are and say what you feel because, “those that matter don’t mind, and those that mind don’t matter”.
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