Crystal Byrd Farmer is an engineer turned educator, organizer, and speaker. She attended University of South Carolina and received dual degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Russian Studies. After working in engineering for six years, Crystal became a freelance technical writer and eventually found her way into the world of self-directed learning and intentional communities.
Crystal has been active in the intentional communities movement for many years and serves on the board of the Foundation for Intentional Community and the BIPOC Intentional Community Council.
She is the former website editor for Black & Poly and is active in her local polyamory community. In 2022 she served as the committee moderator for PolyamProud.
In 2018, Crystal founded Gastonia Freedom School, an Agile Learning Center for children with disabilities.
She lives in Atlanta with her partner and daughter.
Crystal is represented by Ladderbird Literary Agency.
Social Media
Projects
Progressing – Social Connection for Queer Neurodivergent Folks
Gastonia Freedom School – Agile Learning Center for Children with Disabilities
BIPOC Intentional Communities Council – Funding Inclusive and BIPOC-led Communities
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