LGBTQ+ Events: Cultivating Community
Cultivating Community Webinar: Building Belonging in Rural Spaces Through ERGs
LGBTQ+ employees in rural America often face unique challenges—ranging from isolation and limited support networks to a lack of visible representation in their workplaces. For those working in food and agriculture, these challenges can feel even more pronounced, as many operate in small communities where inclusion resources are scarce. Yet, across the country, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are helping bridge these gaps—fostering belonging, strengthening leadership, and empowering employees to bring their authentic selves to work.
In this Cultivating Community Webinar, we’ll explore how ERGs can make a meaningful difference for LGBTQ+ employees in rural areas. Featuring Curtis Rainey, Founding Member and Lead of Ardent Mills’ Spectrum ERG, and Kristin Hicks, Vice President of Scoular's SPAN ERG, this session will highlight real-world examples of building connection, driving inclusion, and sustaining engagement across diverse teams. Whether your organization has an established ERG or is just beginning this journey, you’ll gain practical ideas and inspiration to cultivate community wherever you are.
Cultivating Community Northeast (Boston)
Join the Cultivating Change Foundation for our Northeast Cultivating Community Regional Networking Event on September 11, 2025!
This in-person gathering is a chance for LGBTQ+ professionals, students, and allies in food, agriculture, and natural resources to connect, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships. Whether you're new to the field or have been in the industry for years, this event is designed to foster community, visibility, and belonging in a supportive and welcoming space.
Come for the conversation, stay for the connections. Light refreshments and appetizers will be provided.
We hope to see you there!
Cultivating Community Webinar: Stories from LGBTQ+ Farmers and Producers
Join the Cultivating Change Foundation for a vibrant Pride Month panel spotlighting LGBTQ+ farmers and producers across the country. From overcoming isolation to building affirming communities, this conversation will explore the joys, challenges, and deep-rooted resilience of queer folks in food and agriculture. Tune in to hear their stories, celebrate their impact, and honor the pride they bring to the fields, farms, and food systems we all depend on.
Cultivating Pride Happy Hours
This Pride Month, we're inviting LGBTQ+ people and allies in food and agriculture to come together in communities nationwide for our Cultivating Pride happy hours on June 19. These informal gatherings are a chance to connect, celebrate, and build community, whether it's over coffee, a cocktail, or a conversation.
Find an event near you or sign up to host one in your area. No group is too small. Our goal is to have as many gatherings as possible to show the unity and visibility of our community across food and agriculture.
CCF will provide hosts with a toolkit including social media graphics, a sign-up link, and simple hosting tips. All you need to do is pick a venue, invite your network, and bring the community together.
Ready to get involved?
Register for an event near you
Email Derek Mulhern to sign up to host a happy hour – deadline May 30
Questions? Reach out to Derek Mulhern
Cultivating Community: Washington, D.C. Area Regional Networking Event
Join us for our next Cultivating Community Regional Networking Event alongside World Pride on Thursday, June 5 from 5:30–8:00 PM at the Farm Credit’s rooftop in Washington, DC. This evening will be a chance to unwind, connect, and build community with LGBTQ+ people and allies in food and agriculture.
Expect great conversation, new connections, and a welcoming space—plus drinks and appetizers to keep things casual and fun. Whether you’re just getting started in the field or have been at it for years, all are welcome. Registration by May 30.
Cultivating Community: Chicago Area Networking Event
Join us for our first Regional Networking Event of 2025 in the Chicago Area. This evening will be a chance to unwind, connect, and build community with LGBTQ+ people and allies in food and agriculture. Expect good conversation, new connections, and a welcoming space, plus drinks and appetizers to keep things casual and fun. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned pro, we’d love to see you there. Be sure to register by May 2nd.
Cultivating Community Webinar: LGBTQ+ Mental Health in Food and Agriculture
Access to affirming healthcare and mental health support is crucial for LGBTQ+ individuals, yet many still face significant barriers. Join us on Thursday, March 27th at 4:00 p.m. ET for an insightful conversation with Dustin Nowaskie, MD, Founder, President, and Chief Medical Officer of OutCare, as we discuss the state of LGBTQ+ healthcare, the importance of inclusive providers, and ways to proactively support our own mental health and wellbeing
Collegiate Webinar: Navigating the Job Search for LGBTQ+ Students
Looking for a job or internship? Join us on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. ET, for Navigating the Job Search for LGBTQ+ Students!
It’s important to think about how we show up in the workplace and what we need to navigate the job search safely and effectively. Coleman Simpson and Bill Hendrix will break down key national and industry trends, share strategies for job searching as an LGBTQ+ candidate, and offer real-world tips on applications and interviews.
This workshop is designed for students, but everyone is welcome, whether you're job searching now, preparing for the future, or supporting others in their careers.
Register here, and we’ll send you a calendar invite with the video link. Hope to see you there!