Community Spotlight: Izzy Haake (they/she)

Izzy Haake (they/she)

Clemson University

M.S. Student, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM)

Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your connection to food and agriculture?

My name is Izzy Haake, and I recently graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Park Management and Conservation, a secondary major in Natural Resources, and minors in Leadership Studies and Entomology! Although I did not grow up with a “traditional ag” background, conservation and the environment have always been at the forefront of my life and values. I was also very involved with the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University through leadership roles in my department, serving as an ambassador for the college, and leading many tours for prospective students.

How has your identity as an LGBTQ+ person shaped your experience in this field?

During my time being involved in the College of Agriculture, it became clear to me that there was a lot of judgment and hatred toward me and my identity. It was subtle, but the feelings I had about it were harmful to my mental health and my comfort in ag spaces. This gave me the desire to start a Cultivating Change chapter at Kansas State University and help support others who felt the same way I did.

What impact has CCF had on your personal or professional journey?

Cultivating Change has given me a new confidence to go above and beyond in my advocacy work as a queer person. Creating the chapter at my university taught me leadership, advocacy, perseverance, and so many other valuable things. It also empowered me to pursue grad school and further my education in the park management field. Personally, it showed me that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.

What does visibility for LGBTQ+ people in food and ag mean to you?

Visibility for any identity—not just LGBTQ+ people—is so important in the food and ag sectors. Within food and ag, we are supporting the world. Everyone’s voices deserve to be heard and respected. Something I encountered a lot during my time at K-State was students who grew up in small towns and had never been exposed to people unlike themselves. This often fueled hatred and exclusion of people who were different. Visibility for queer people in ag shows that it doesn’t have to be that way forever.

What would you tell your younger self or another LGBTQ+ person just entering our sector?

I would say that your voice deserves to be heard, and you deserve to take up space in any room you are in. Speak up about prejudice and hatred—don’t be a bystander. College is hard enough without feeling like you don’t belong in a sector you’re so passionate about. Continue to be yourself, because there are younger people who will be so happy to see you standing up for what you believe in while being fully, authentically yourself.

What’s one moment you felt proud to be your full, authentic self in your work?

There have been a few great moments recently! I was recognized this year as one of the Dean of Students’ Outstanding Graduating Seniors for my work with Cultivating Change. It was so incredible to be my full, authentic self and be praised and seen at the university level. I was also chosen as the top senior for my major, and I know my younger, college freshman self would be so proud of how far I’ve come.

What does Pride mean to you this year?

Pride to me this year means remembering the trans people who came before me and whose lives were cut short due to violence and hatred directed specifically at trans people in this country. As someone who is gender nonconforming, I am so thankful for all the activists and trailblazers who have allowed me to be proud of who I am and to have the rights I do—and will continue to fight for.

What gives you hope for the future of LGBTQ+ people in food and ag?

Cultivating Change! I have met so many passionate, incredible leaders through attending two summits and connecting with people online who are involved. Students for Cultivating Change at Kansas State also just elected a fantastic group of students who are strong leaders, outspoken in their ag fields, and I cannot wait to see what they are able to accomplish.

How can allies better support LGBTQ+ professionals in this industry?

One thing I wish more people would do is be open about their support for the queer people around them. There were so many times when I felt alone in this, and I wish more allies had stood up and spoken out.