because in the past gays would never have been able to be a farmer and out.

It is good you feel safe and comfortable to be gay and a farmer. Do you know why? People ahead of you paid the price ie Stonewall and many others, but they did not hide and have self shame. They fought for their right along side everybody else as the US Constitution dictates.

Very much agree. However I’m in a very rural Massachusetts(900) people community and couldn’t believe when we moved here how the neighbors invited us to their place “bring your husband” said in a non chalant way. We found a top notch gay attorney in our community, an architect, and the Librarian son is transitioning. No problem living here in rural New England. Even saw Fedco seeds in Maine flying the Gay Colors when we went up to buy a seed order . Thank you New England!

“suggests queer farmers are both more prevalent than expected and different from other farmers in significant ways.” – Modern Farmer

Why is it only gay or queer farmers are capable or different in signifgant ways in their ability to market or farm? So, white farmers and black farmers are unable to market themselves in unique ways either? Your sexual preference or the color of your skin is completely meaningless, what truly matters is the fact that you are farming and you are out there doing the hard work under the hot sun and not for much money either. Unfortunately we are currently living in a world where certain people create problems where they don’t exist.

“For me, queering the systems of capitalism means that, when I have a farm, making sure people are being paid a living wage, versus just minimum wage,” says Coco Faria, a queer farmer in Washington State. – Modern Farmer

Once again this article suggests, Only queer farmers have this capability to be socially and ecologically conscientious? The article is also saying for example, that a black heterosexual farmer is incapable of paying a fair wage to his employees or at least, not as well as a queer farmer.

This article is a is a complete diservice to every hard working farmer in North America.

Celebrating a specific group of people doesn’t take anything away from others. These farmers felt isolated by their difference, and are transforming that difference into a basis for connection. They’re using their hearts to guide them in a direction that seems different to them than what’s around them. Queerness is a name we give to all that doesn’t fit what’s considered “typical”, and as such it’s a way for people who feel left out to find a sense of belonging or purpose. Your negative reaction to it is distressing, because you’re saying that everyone who works the land is special, but also expressing displeasure at this one group being given a chance to say what makes them feel special. This is a sweet story, and the point is that we want more people to tell their own stories.

Queerness informs everything about life for those of us who are living in it. It’s a crucial lens for us, and though the insights we gain from applying it may not always be unique, they are real. It’s not that sex has anything to do with farming (though I would disagree about that idea), it’s that because our relationship to sex and gender is different than other people’s, we also see other things differently too. It’s just another perspective!