A Farmer who was fired from his job in Kentucky for being gay has been supported by hundreds of people.
Kevin McCaffery, a llama farmer in Kentucky, USA, was fired from his job for being gay – at a daycare centre after he was mocked and a teased by co-workers who called him “twinkle toes” until he was forced to resign. McCaffery sued for wrongful termination, and the judge agreed he had been mistreated, McCaffery’s case was thrown out of court since Kentucky discrimination laws don’t protect LGBT employees, putting his entire livestock at risk of starvation.
After losing his job, McCaffery’s biggest fear was how to feed and take care of his animals:
“My unemployment has run out and now I am on food stamps just to have something to eat. I had to change my feed for my animals to a cheaper kind just so that I can provide for them. I am at the mercy of everyone to help feed them anymore. I had to go apply for assistance to try to pay my electric bill today. I have been applying for jobs everywhere. I did get a response from a new preschool/daycare in Lexington. I hope and pray that it works out. I don’t know how I will travel to Lexington everyday and keep up with the farm work, but I’ll cross that bridge if it happens.”
Thankfully after BUZZFEED shared the story a Go Fund Me page was created to help Kevin with some of his expenses, with nearly 500 supporters raising over $15,000 in just a few days. McCaffery took to Facebook to express his gratitude:
“I would like to take a moment and thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for the love that everyone has shown for me and the animals. I appreciate your words of encouragement and understanding. I apologize for not being able to respond to each and every email that I have received. At the present time I do not have internet at home and have to rely on McDonald’s for internet services. As most of you are aware I have numerous animals that their daily care requires me to be there pretty much twenty-four seven. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. They are the love of my life and I wouldn’t change any of it. I just wanted to let you know that I do appreciate everything that you do and make sure that you understand why I may be hesitant to respond to your post.
Love each and every one of you,
Kevin”
