Stories from LGBTQ+ people in agriculture and rural communities. Submit your story here.
Finding A Sense Of Belonging After The Farm | David Jones
When rural communities and dairy farming didn’t provide a sense of belonging and inclusion, David Jones shares his journey to rediscovering his space as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and shares deeply personal insights that others can learn from. For allies, David shares 5 ways to contribute to building…
Finding Courage and Allies in the Workplace | Steve Kempke
Three years after first sharing his story, Steve Kempke reflects on the power of allyship in helping him live more openly at work. With support from colleagues and mentors, he found the courage to be fully himself—proving how small acts of support can create meaningful change for LGBTQ+ people in…
LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Agriculture Education | Chaney Mosely
Chaney Mosley, a leader in agricultural education, promotes diversity and inclusivity through his work. As a gay man, he advocates for LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance in the traditionally conservative agricultural industry. His efforts have led to fostering a more inclusive and representative environment throughout agricultural education systems.
Coming Out and Embracing Allyship In Agriculture | Kameron Rhinehart
Kameron Rinehart, a Ph.D. Candidate at Texas Tech University, shares his journey as an LGBTQ+ person and embracing allyship in agriculture. Growing up in rural Ohio, he understands the challenges of coming out and emphasizes the importance of building an inclusive community. His research focuses on expanding allyship in agricultural…
How Language Fosters Inclusivity for LGBTQ Agriculture Community
Tyler Price, Ph.D. discusses the impact of language on inclusivity for LGBTQ+ individuals in agriculture. While words can inspire, they can also marginalize. The industry’s unwelcoming perception must be addressed, with strategies like inclusive language use and support for underrepresented voices. Tyler, an advocate for inclusive education, aims to create…
Asexual Identities in the LGBTQIA+ Community
This anonymous story sheds light on asexual identities in the agriculture community and explores how we can work toward inclusion of all.
Championing LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in Agriculture | Tanner Keeton
Many people fear the reactions of others if they come out as LGBTQ+ or reveal more of who they are. This fear of rejection or isolation is real in conservative, Christian-dominated communities we often find in agriculture. Tanner Keeton shares his story today of how he challenged his assumptions and…
The Power of Recognition on LGBTQ+ Inclusivity | Tyler McGee
Tyler McGee, an advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusivity in agriculture, emphasizes the importance of recognition and support from industry leaders and mentors. His work with AgTech and the mentors he’s found reflects the positive impact of LGBTQ+ representation in the agricultural community. Tyler encourages individuals and organizations to advocate for acceptance…
LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Entrepreneurial Spirit in Rural Nebraska
Setting out and doing something different from what your family has always done can be daunting, especially in the ranching community. But that’s precisely what Levi Leonard-Gorsuch has done with his husband, Danny, and their entrepreneurial spirit is making an impact and demonstrating LGBTQ+ inclusion in their rural Nebraska community.…
Impact of LBGTQ Visibility | Jon Raymond Dykstra
Today we’ll hear from Jon Raymond Dykstra (he/him), who lives in Kingston, Prince Edward Island, Canada and shares insight on LGBTQ visibility. I first came across Jon Raymond’s story when he shared his perspective on Instagram: “If I were to go back and give some advice to my younger self,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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