LLAMA DRAMA

UPDATE: Hundreds Rally For Kentucky Llama Farmer Fired For Being Gay

llama-kevinKevin McCaffery tends to llamas and dozens of other animals on his animal sanctuary, but times got rough after he was allegedly fired from his job at a daycare center in Ashland, Kentucky for being gay.

According to BuzzFeed, he was mocked and teased by co-workers who called him twinkle toes on at least one occasion and McCaffery claims he was forced to resign. Though he sued for wrongful termination, McCaffery’s case was thrown out of court.

If he was fired for being gay, he would have no recourse since Kentucky discrimination laws don’t protect LGBT employees…which is exactly why we need the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

McCaffery’s 18-acre sanctuary, LLA-Nanny Farms, is home to llamas, cats, dogs, chickens, donkeys and pigs, many of which are strays. After losing his job, Kevin’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.

Luckily, after BuzzFeed broke his story, a Go Fund Me page was started to help Kevin with some of his expenses, with nearly 400 supporters raising over $11,000 in just two 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.

You can donate to Kevin and his furry friends at LLA-Nanny Farms here.

UPDATE: According to the daycare’s lawyer, Mr. McCaffery was not “forced to resign” and his “position was eliminated due to financial reasons and cutbacks and not for any other motive.” The daycare claims it does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and was “well aware” of McCaffery’s sexual orientation prior to his being hired.

Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated