Category: LGBTQ
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Find your inclusive community | Tanner Lopez
Today we’ll hear from Tanner Lopez (he/him), who lives in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Tanner shares a great perspective of how finding an inclusive community can be an important factor in a sense of belonging in the industry. You can connect with Tanner on Instagram (@Tannerlane8), Facebook, and LinkedIn. How are you involved in the agriculture community? I…
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Finding community for LGBTQ in rural life | Devin Gredell
Today we’ll hear from Devin Gredell (he/him), who lives in St Louis, Missouri. Devin shares how it can often be a challenge to find a true sense of community for LGBTQ people in rural life. But he has succeeded in his own journey to find that while maintaining a career in agriculture. You can connect…
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Empathy and Action on LGBTQ Inclusion | Grant Ermis
Today we’ll hear from Grant Ermis, who lives in Temple, Texas where he works as a career and technical education coordinator. Grant shares his experiences, as well as advice on improving LGBTQ inclusion in agriculture. You can connect with Grant on Facebook and Instagram. Why are you proud to be part of the agriculture community?…
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A place for LGBTQ in Agriculture Community | Patrick Connolly
Today we’ll hear from Patrick Connolly (he/him), who lives in Echo Bay, Ontario, Canada. Patrick has purchased his family farm and manages the local agriculture center. He shares his perspective on being a person identifying as LGBTQ in agriculture communities. You can connect with Patrick on Instagram (@norland258). Why are you proud to be part…
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Anonymous LGBTQ in Agriculture
Today we’ll hear from an anonymous LGBTQ voice from the agriculture community. Over the years, I’ve had a number of people come to me in confidence to share their stories and I don’t take that responsibility lightly. Anonymous LGBTQ stories are incredibly important to share. That’s where I was first able to share my story.…
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LGBTQ in Agriculture Workplaces | Garrett Steede
Garrett Steede lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota and grew up in Mississippi. Today, he is an assistant professor of agricultural communication and marketing. Coming out professionally can be intimidating and Garrett shares a piece of his story and how he found support for LGBTQ in agriculture workplaces. You can connect with Garrett on Twitter (@CaptSteede) and…
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Embracing My Identity and Inclusion in Agriculture | Stuart Chutter
Stuart Chutter, a passionate farmer from Killay, Saskatchewan, is not only an advocate for agriculture but also a leader in promoting diversity and inclusion in agriculture communities. Chutter, who is openly gay, has sparked important conversations about the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in agriculture. His goal is to inspire others and encourage dialogue about diversity,…
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LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in the Agriculture Workplace | Steve Kempke
In Valley Center, Kansas, Steve Kempke passionately advocates for inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community within the agriculture community. As a dedicated professional, Kempke travels to work with cattle feeders through feed mill automation technology. When not on the road, he loves adding on to an expansive home garden and spending time with his…
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Cultivating Change: Kirk Maag on LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Inclusion
Kirk Maag is an agriculture and timber attorney who grew up working alongside his family on a farm in eastern Oregon. He is proud of his roots in agriculture, and he is also proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community. As a board member for the Oregon FFA Foundation and Cultivating Change Foundation, Kirk…
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Agriculture Educator Promoting Diversity and Inclusion | Riley Hintzsche
Today we’ll hear from Riley Hintzsche (he/him), who lives in Ottawa, Illinois. Over the years, Riley and I have been on some fun adventures, including a desert road trip just before the world shut down in March of 2020. He’s a dear friend who always has a smile on his face and a big heart…