Meet Kameron Rinehart, a Ph.D. Candidate at Texas Tech University with deep roots in agriculture and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. Kameron shares his personal experiences of coming out in a rural community, how he is embracing allyship in agriculture, and his advice for others on their own journeys coming out as LGBTQ+ in agriculture communities.
How are you involved in the agriculture community?
As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and the agricultural industry, I, along with you, serve as an ally to those around me. Those who have overcome adversity and continue to face challenges head-on as we navigate being engaged in the agricultural sector.
I am originally from Jeffersonville, Ohio, a small town between Columbus and Cincinnati. I grew up engaged in 4-H and FFA, showing livestock for 12 years and always getting involved in something new.
I went to Wilmington College in Ohio, followed by Ohio State University, for a Master’s in Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership. This led me to Texas Tech, where I had just completed the second year of my Ph.D. program in Agricultural Leadership.
At Texas Tech, I serve as a Graduate Assistant, where I teach multiple undergraduate courses, conduct research focusing on leadership, diversity and inclusion, and study abroad programs.
While not participating in school and working at TTU, I co-owned and operated Rural Beans Roastery LLC, a small-batch coffee roastery based in Ohio. I serve as a member of the Ohio 4-H Foundation Board, Ohio State ACEL Alumni Board, and the Wilmington College Alumni Council.
My husband Brandon and I live in Lubbock, TX, with our pup Charlie, and I am excited to share a little bit of my story with you and how I believe we can serve as allies within the agricultural sector.
What was it like coming out as LGBTQ in the agriculture community?
Growing up in rural Ohio, I know what it feels like sometimes to feel excluded or that no one is on your side. I have always ensured that others are included and feel safe; as time passed, I knew I was an ally to others, and others around me served as an ally.
Less than a year ago, I finally felt that I was safe to “come out” publicly, even though those who are close to me have known for years. It was nerve-racking as I wrote the post last June, but looking back now, I wish I had done it years ago.
I had people reach out to me that I never thought they would have sent such kind and thoughtful messages, and then I had others who became distant from me, and that’s okay, too.
What wasn’t okay at the time was that I didn’t think I was able to be authentically me, and now I can be each and every day. However, when Brandon and I met, I knew I couldn’t just go on not living authentically each day.
Knowing how others have been treated before, it was scary to make that post, but it was the greatest day, and ever since then, I have been able to live authentically every day. Since that day, my personal goal has been to help others break down those barriers and build an inclusive community to help everyone thrive within the agricultural sector.
How is university research supporting LGBTQ+ communities in agriculture?
Through my interests and my work at Texas Tech University, I strive to meet the overarching objectives of my goals to help others in the agricultural community and beyond break down those barriers.
Working with Dr. Jason Headrick at Texas Tech University, we have been conducting research embracing allyship within colleges of agriculture for the past year. We are close to finishing the article to submit for publication, which will include recommendations for practice and future research to continue to build and expand allyship within the colleges of agriculture, not only for those in the LGBTQ+ community but anything from an underserved population.
I do all I can to uplift and support the LGBTQ+ community within the agricultural sector. I have worked to embrace diversity and inclusion in all the organizations I am a part of. I hope to continue to make an impact through the expansion of inclusive programs and building an equitable industry for all.
How are you embracing allyship in agriculture?
We all have our journeys, and being in the agricultural industry adds a layer of complexity to our journey. However, as time advances, we are in a better place today than 20 years ago.
We continue to uplift and share stories of those who have faced and overcome barriers. As I read these stories, they continue to inspire me to keep doing my work to make a difference.
Whether that be through building an inclusive classroom setting, conducting research to help break down barriers in the agricultural sector, or being more engaged in community and industry programming, I will never give up on my goals of embracing allyship for those around me and advocating for those who need it.
We all have had an ally in our lives, and even if you don’t think you have an ally, I bet you do! If not, our community is your ally, and we are here for one another, no matter what.
Embracing allyship is being someone who supports and educates themselves and speaks out on behalf of an underserved population, such as the LGBTQ+ community.
I have many allies in my personal and professional life, and for that, I am beyond grateful. I also consider myself to be an ally for others, even those from other underserved populations outside of the LGBTQ+ community.
What advice do you have for LGBTQ+ people in agriculture?
As we celebrate Pride Month this year, it doesn’t pass by me that I know someone out there is scared to make that post. They are afraid to come out publicly and live authentically, fearing that someone might not hire them, get fired, or be shamed.
It is a personal decision when and how to come out, but if I can share any words of advice, that is that you have a huge community here to support you when you’re ready. I didn’t know how big that community was until I finally came out, and I am genuinely so thankful for that community and all the love, support, and knowledge they shared with me.
The future of agriculture is bright, but we can make it colorful by building an inclusive and equal industry where all people, no matter their race, religion, sexual orientation, or other individual characteristic, are welcomed with open arms and grace.
Want to learn more about my research or how to get involved?! Contact me via LinkedIn or email.
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