UC ANR celebrates Pride Month

June is Pride Month, when we celebrate and recognize the contributions and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. At UC ANR, the LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group organized two educational events.

Nate Looney, a transgender man and CEO and owner of Westside Urban Gardens, was a guest speaker on June 17. Westside Urban Gardens, an urban agriculture start-up based in Los Angeles, sells its produce at local farmers markets. The farm gives back to the community by teaching other LGBTQ+ farmers the skills they need to thrive in the industry.

Looney, a U.S. Army veteran, gave a presentation about his experiences working in agriculture. A recording of “The workplace and the LGBTQ+ Community in Rural Agriculture is posted on the Learning and Development diversity website.

Guest Sam Gottlieb, a transgender man, facilitated a book discussion of Alison Bechdel's critically acclaimed graphic memoir, “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic” over Zoom on June 21.

National 4-H featured Vice President Glenda Humiston in its social media Pride campaign. Its June 28 Facebook post reads:

“A place to belong and feel welcome, 4-H is proud to elevate and celebrate what makes us unique, strong and better together. 4-H alum, Glenda Humiston, Vice President for UC Agriculture & Natural Resources, shares how 4-H provided opportunity, community and helped her discover her voice.

‘When I was a child, I was very active in 4-H and accepted for who I was. My 4-H experience contributed largely to the leader I am today. 4-H gave me opportunities I may not have otherwise had growing up in rural Colorado. It inspired my curiosity to learn more about the world, to attend college, get involved in public service and to travel to Tunisia as a Peace Corp volunteer. In 4-H, I learned how to work with others to get things done, I honed my public speaking skills and developed self-confidence.' #ThisIs4H”

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