LGBT Individuals and Communities and their Impact on the Grange's History, Present, and Future

[Richard Roth]

Oliver Kelly, founder of the Grange, his wife Temperance Baldwin Lane, and his wife's niece Caroline Hall seem to have had an "interesting" relationship for the late 1800's. In my view, the significance of that relationship can be felt in the traditions, rituals, and practices of the Grange from its inception. 

I believe there is a long history of what we now refer to as the LGBT Community participation in all facets of the Grange. The Grange has served as a welcoming venue for community participation for those who did not fit into much of the mainstream; an opportunity to develop leadership skills, express themselves, find camaraderie, and affect, direct, and impact their community in a time when such differences were simply not talked about.

Lots has changed in the last 130 years. Perhaps it is time to examine the contributions of our lesbian, gay, bi, and transgender Brothers and Sisters. Since this was NOT talked about, do you have any stories of Grange History or Present, or are these stories lost forever to this simple post?

[Ann Waters]

Sounds very curious, I kinda read between the lines in one of the history books, but never found direct references to any specific event or relationship description.

[Richard Roth]

Yes, I am wondering if there might be archived letters or something that might better reveal the nature of the relationships. And should nothing be found, perhaps it is best left as unsubstantiated rumor. I am pretty sure that it would not be talked about openly until very recently. 

I wonder what history might exist for members and leaders in the 20th century, that might shed light on the those that might today be identified in that group. I am sure the whole role of the Grange for dozens of decades was as an avenue for blending in, not coming out.

At the same time - because women were welcomed as full fledged members of the Grange since inception signaled a radical social shift in perception. Perhaps that was enough.

Today, I know many who consider themselves members of and advocates for the LGBT community and who are the backbone of the survival and re-flourishing of several community granges. As someone who lost a churchmate to suicide back in the late 1960's I can say quite plainly; Kids should not be killing themselves because of their sexual orientation or perception. I am extremely grateful to these leaders today who make it plain there are all kinds of ways to live a good, productive, and rewarding life in our community and that with a bit of courage and perseverance life gets better and better.

What I hope comes out of this is a re-examining of our own local histories to ferret out those historic individuals of an uncommon bent so that we can perhaps more clearly understand their contributions to our communities and honor them. And I would love for those Grangers who consider themselves LGBT to share their experience of the Grange, good and bad, and what role their participation has played in their community.

[Takashi]

The following statement is in the National Grange bylaws:

4.6.16 Non-Discrimination - The various Granges of the divisions for the Order shall not discriminate with regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or national origin.

I was pleased and surprised to find this.  I was the author of a adopted CA resolution reversing Grange discrimination against Japanese Americans during WW 2 that included a similar statement of non-discrimination.

I have met only one openly lesbian couple and one gay person in our granges.  I would like to know if there are other LGBT members and if they have encountered any discrimination from Granges.

[Anniegreenjeans]

I haven't thought much about it until now, but - I think we have one gay man who is not "out".  Kinda about our old reputation for being a straight club?  There is a huge LGBT community here - none are members, huh...

[MASinPT]

Wher I live several gay Grange Hall supporters will not join the Grange because of the State Grange supporting "One man one woman" as the only marriage option.

[Richard Roth]

I understand that the Grange has a non-discrimination policy against discrimination because of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, etc. Perhaps that is unique to to California, but I thought that was established  National policy.

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Richard Roth
Chico, CA 95928

[MARLA STREATOR]

It isn't a problem of out and out discrimination. It is a resolution
passed on the state level that wants marriage to be narrowly defined.