A farmer in California has lost most of his customers after he posted a message on Instagram criticizing Pride month and the LGBTQ+ community.
Jim Kidwell, who owns Terra Firma Farm in Winters, said he was expressing his Christian beliefs when he wrote that he does not support Pride month or the rainbow flag.
“We have to stand for what is right and against what is wrong,” he wrote in the now-deleted post. “Pride month is evil and represents rebellion against God’s design.”
He also claimed that LGBTQ+ people are “confused” and “need our prayers.”
His post sparked a backlash from many of his customers, who canceled their subscriptions to his farm’s produce boxes. Some local restaurants and grocery stores also stopped buying from him.
Kidwell said he has lost about two-thirds of his business since the post went viral. He said he regrets hurting anyone’s feelings, but he does not regret sharing his views.
“I’m not going to apologize for what I believe,” he told Fox News. “I’m not going to compromise my faith.”
He said he has received some support from other Christians and conservatives, but he is worried about the future of his farm.
“It’s been very hard,” he said. “I don’t know if we’re going to survive this.”