As we enter June, we kick off Pride Month, a celebration of LGBTQ+ people with the help of our allies. I have written this in at least five different ways, trying to accurately describe how I feel about the conversations that surround Pride, and none of them are perfect.
I know it’s never best to give our detractors attention, but this time of year often brings up questions and criticisms: “Why do we need a Pride Month?” “Why don’t we have a Straight Pride Month?”
My first instinct is not to give these statements the time of day, but they also present an opportunity for deeper understanding. So, throughout this month, we’ll explore why Pride Month is essential, particularly in agriculture and our rural communities, and how it fosters a sense of belonging, visibility, and allyship.
Why Celebrate Pride Month?
Pride Month is an important conversation to improve the visibility and inclusion of LGBTQ+ people and provides a platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equity.
If you don’t understand the need for equity and the need for societal and legal changes to support our communities, I encourage you to seek out information about historical moments such as the Stonewall Riots and current events that demonstrate discrimination against people based on their sexual orientation.
Pride is about recognizing and acknowledging LGBTQ+ people, who often feel marginalized and invisible. In agriculture and rural communities, where traditional conservative values often dominate, LGBTQ+ people can feel particularly isolated. Pride Month serves as a sign of hope and a call for inclusivity, reminding us that diversity strengthens our communities.
Visibility is a cornerstone of Pride Month. It’s not about flaunting sexuality for everyone who participates. For most, it’s about respecting identities and supporting those who feel isolated.
Does inclusion, respect, and visibility exist in agriculture and rural communities? Yes, in pockets. But for the vast majority, this support is not the norm.
Pride flags, whether small pins or vibrant banners are important for this visibility. They signal safe spaces and people who will offer empathy and understanding rather than the judgment that is often more visible. For many LGBTQ+ people, seeing these symbols means knowing they are not alone and that there is a supportive community out there.
Why Not a Straight Pride Month?
The question of why we don’t have a Straight Pride Month misses the mark because heterosexuality is already the default assumption and celebration in our society. Every month is, in effect, “Straight Pride Month” due to the universal affirmation of heterosexuality through media, laws, and social norms.
LGBTQ+ people, on the other hand, often have to navigate a world where our identities are marginalized, or we are made to feel like we must hide a huge part of who we are as people just to be part of the communities or industries we love.
In rural communities, LGBTQ+ issues are often the subject of jokes and mockery, dismissed as liberal or urban “problems.” These actions, even when masked as humor, are harmful. They perpetuate stereotypes and reinforce exclusion. For LGBTQ+ people, such jokes can be painful reminders of our marginalized status.
Understanding Heteronormativity
To grasp the significance of Pride Month, it’s important to understand heteronormativity – the assumption that everyone is heterosexual and cisgender unless stated otherwise. This mindset makes heterosexuality and traditional gender roles the ‘norm,’ causing anything outside of these parameters as different or abnormal. For LGBTQ+ people, this can lead to a constant feeling of otherness and exclusion.
In agriculture and rural communities, heteronormativity can manifest in subtle ways. A common example is the assumption that a man’s partner is a woman, evident in casual conversations and social events such as including a photo of your spouse on your desk or holding hands in public spaces. Or starting a conversation with the assumption that someone is in a heterosexual relationship by asking about their husband or wife.
These instances subtly reinforce the ‘standard’ family structure and can make those with different experiences feel invisible or excluded. I’ve explored more examples of heteronormativity in this earlier article.
The Challenge of Being Different
For LGBTQ+ people, especially in rural areas and agricultural communities, being perceived as different can lead to significant challenges. We can face discrimination, exclusion, and a lack of community support. This can result in feelings of isolation and mental health struggles.
For instance, LGBTQ+ farmers might find it hard to access services or resources and may encounter hostility in our professional environments. If you’re not impacted by these issues, this can be difficult to understand.
Statistics highlight these difficulties: despite 7% of U.S. adults identifying as LGBTQ+, only 46% feel safe to be open about their sexuality or gender identity at work, and 45% have faced unfair treatment in their careers because of it. These figures show a stark contrast between the experiences of LGBTQ+ and heterosexual people.
In this earlier article, I explored more of the challenges LGBTQ+ people encounter in agriculture and rural communities.
The Power of Allyship for LGBTQ+ People
While Pride Month is not about nor for allies, it is an opportunity to learn more about what allyship can look like where you are.
Pride Month is an opportunity for education and seeking understanding as an ally. It encourages us to recognize the diversity within our communities and to support those who are different from us—whether or not those differences are visible.
Allyship is crucial during Pride Month and year-round. Allies in agriculture and rural communities can play a pivotal role in creating inclusive environments. When allies speak up against discriminatory jokes and actions, they send a powerful message that everyone deserves respect and acceptance.
Empowering Allies During Pride Month
Being an ally can be challenging and intimidating, but it is essential. Allies can help create a more inclusive community by:
- Educating Yourself: Understand LGBTQ+ issues, terms, and experiences.
- Using Inclusive Language: Small changes in language can make a big difference.
- Standing Up Against Discrimination: Challenge harmful jokes and behaviors.
- Creating Safe Spaces: Ensure your environments are welcoming to all.
- Supporting LGBTQ+ Events and Initiatives: Show up and be vocal in your support.
Pride Month is a time to celebrate diversity, advocate for equity, and support our LGBTQ+ friends, family, and neighbors. It reminds us that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and respected.
This June, and throughout the year, let’s strive to create a more inclusive and welcoming space in agriculture and rural communities. By working together, we can build a world where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feels they belong.
Join us throughout Pride Month as we share stories, insights, and resources to help foster understanding and support for LGBTQ+ people in agriculture. Share your thoughts in the comments, ask questions, and let’s build a more inclusive community together.
Allies, your voices are powerful—use them to make a difference.
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