In this article, Tyler Price, Ph.D. explores how the language we use can either foster inclusivity or perpetuate marginalization, particularly for LGBTQ+ community members in agriculture and our rural communities.
Words have a unique power to inspire, influence, and transform. Throughout history, carefully chosen words have ignited revolutions, fostered peace, and propelled humanity forward.
In the agriculture industry, consider Paul Harvey’s heartfelt “So God Made a Farmer” speech that celebrated the dedication and resilience of farmers, highlighting the vital role they play in our society. Each word, meticulously chosen and delivered with conviction, with the power to stir the hearts of millions.
While words possess the remarkable ability to inspire and uplift, they also carry the potential to marginalize and oppress. Understanding this duality is crucial in recognizing the responsibility that comes with words. This dual nature of words is evident in the language used within the agriculture industry regarding LGBTQ+ individuals.
How Words Marginalize LGBTQ+ Community Members
Elliott-Engel et al. (2020) found that the agriculture, food, and natural resources (AFNR) industry is often viewed as unwelcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, the rurality often associated with agriculture results in the perception of the industry being less welcoming or supportive of LGBTQ+ community members (Aragon et al., 2020).
Often, the words and language used in the industry perpetuate this view of being unwelcoming. According to Taheri (2020), language is a powerful tool that shapes our assumptions and establishes societal norms. As such, it is essential to assess our vocabulary to identify and eliminate stigmatizing or biased language that perpetuates the marginalization of others.
The United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) reports that the employer demand will continue to exceed the supply of qualified graduates through 2025. Given this growing demand it is crucial to ensure that no groups are marginalized in the pursuit of a diverse and skilled workforce, including LGBTQ+ individuals.
The failure to use language that is inclusive can lead to individuals of underrepresented groups feeling uncomfortable expressing their true identity, and in the case of the agriculture industry, prevent them from pursuing careers in an AFNR sector.
A 2023 Gallup survey found that 7.6% of adults in the United States identified as LGBTQ+. This number has doubled from the first time this survey was completed in 2012.
This increase underscores the importance of fostering inclusivity in the agricultural industry that recognizes and values the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals in an effort to not marginalized those of the community.
How Can Words Foster Inclusivity?
Our words have the power to create a sense of belonging, foster understanding, and promote equality. Achieving this requires a conscious effort to recognize and eliminate language that marginalizes or excludes. Strategies to improve our inclusivity can be:
- Using chosen gender pronouns.
- Using terms that are gender-neutral, i.e., using “chairperson” instead of “chairman.”
- Using gender-neutral terms when grouping individuals, i.e., using “everyone” or “folks” instead of “ladies and gentlemen.”
- Refraining from jokes or comments that rely on gender, sexuality, or identity.
- Creating opportunities to implement inclusive language behaviors.
- Supporting organizations aimed at promoting and empowering underrepresented voices in agriculture.
Additional resources and helpful information for using more inclusive language can be found at the following links:
Learn More About Tyler Price
How are you involved in the agriculture community?
I grew up in rural Oklahoma where my mom was the local veterinarian, and my dad was a local cattle rancher and operated the local feed store. Agriculture was built into everything I did growing up. I was involved in 4-H and FFA throughout my school years, which I believe is where my passion began for educating others on the part of my life that came so naturally.
This passion led me to Oklahoma State University, where I would begin my journey to being an agricultural education teacher. Throughout my college career, I found my passion for education focusing on those removed from the agriculture industry the most. The high school classroom has become my happy place where I share my love for the agriculture industry while ensuring students of all identities are seen and valued.
Why are you proud to be part of the agriculture community?
Being part of the agriculture industry, and specifically, as a teacher, provides me the opportunity to be the representation I did not have growing up. It provides me a platform to create inclusive learning spaces and programming that promote the inclusivity of students of all identities. I take pride in serving in that capacity while also sharing my passion for others.
References for further reading
Aragon, S. R., Poteat, V. P., Espelage D. L., & Koenig, B. W. (2014). The influence of peer victimization on educational outcomes for LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ high school students. Journal of LGBT Youth, 11(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/19361653.2014 .840761
Elliott-Engel, J., Amaral, J. R., & Westfall-Rudd, D. (2020). Perspectives on LGBTQ inclusion and identity development from a college of agriculture and life sciences. NACTA Journal, 64(2), 102-112. https://www.jstor.org/stable/27157782
Jones. J. M. (2023). U.S. LGBTQ identification steady at 7.2%. Gallup. https://news.gallup.com/poll/470708/lgbt-identification-steady.aspx
Taheri, P. (2020). Using inclusive language in the applied-science academic environments. Technium Social Sciences Journal, 9, 151-162. https://doi.org/10.47577/tssj.v9i1.1082
United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture. (2020). Employment outlook is promising for new college graduates in agriculture. https://www.nifa.usda.gov/about-nifa/press-releases/employment-outlook-promising- new-college-graduates-agriculture
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