Crystal Byrd Farmer is an engineer turned educator, organizer, and speaker with a passion for inclusion and community building. She holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Russian Studies from the University of South Carolina. After six years in engineering, she shifted to freelance technical writing, eventually finding her path in self-directed education and intentional communities.
Crystal serves on the boards of the Foundation for Intentional Community, the BIPOC Intentional Community Council, The Sum, and the Self-Directed Education Youth Rights Accreditation. Since 2016, she’s supported communities in becoming more inclusive and equitable.
A long-time advocate for polyamory, Crystal was a contributor and website editor for Black & Poly and served as committee moderator for PolyamProud in 2022. She’s presented at conferences and contributed to publications on relationships and identity.
In 2018, she founded Gastonia Freedom School, an Agile Learning Center focused on children with disabilities.
Crystal lives in Atlanta with her partner and daughter and is represented by Ladderbird Literary Agency.
Projects
Progressing – Social Connection for Queer Neurodivergent Folks
BIPOC Intentional Communities Council – Funding Inclusive and BIPOC-led Communities
Gastonia Freedom School – Agile Learning Center for Children with Disabilities
Big Sister Team Building – Team Building and Diversity Training
Black & Poly – (former editor) Magazine For and By Black Polyamorous People
Highland Rising – History + Memoir of the Highland Community in Gastonia, NC
Charlotte Cohousing – Umbrella Organization Supporting Forming Communities
New Culture Charlotte – Connection and Belonging for Everyone