From Barns to Prime Time: Out Entrepreneur Matt Baumgartner’s June Farms Gets the Reality Show Treatment

If you think “farm life” equals flannel and straight-laced simplicity, Matt Baumgartner is ready to upend your expectations—one barn bash at a time. Nestled on 120 acres in West Sand Lake, New York, June Farms is the vision of Baumgartner, an out gay entrepreneur whose career arc bends from Albany bar mogul to hospitality innovator and, now, reality TV star .

Baumgartner’s journey began amid the city’s pulse, with years spent running celebrated restaurants and bars, before a desire for something more grounded—yet no less joyful—led him to the countryside . “It has been an honor and a privilege to be a small farmer, and I look forward to sharing this wonderful experience with you!” he shares, a promise that’s become the farm’s ethos: radical hospitality, no matter who you are .

It’s not just the manicured pastures, heritage-breed animals, or fairy tale cabins—including a Hobbit House and whimsical “PigSty” luxury suites—that have made June Farms a phenomenon . It’s the spirit of inclusion that Baumgartner infuses into every event, especially weddings. “The moment you choose June Farms as your wedding venue, it is important to me that you are cared for, celebrated and heard,” Baumgartner writes in a personal note to couples, a message that resonates deeply with LGBTQ+ folks seeking not just tolerance, but affirmation .

The farm’s staff is committed to ensuring every love story is honored, whether it’s a black tie gala with 250 guests or an intimate elopement. “We will make sure that your wedding will be the happiest day of your life,” Baumgartner promises . That philosophy has made June Farms a touchstone for queer couples from across the Northeast—a place where love is love, and the only thing heteronormative is the hay.

June Farms’ rise from local gem to national spotlight is a story with as many twists as the farm’s gravel paths. What began as a pop-up party—originally planned for June, hence the name—quickly morphed into a full-fledged destination, thanks to overwhelming demand from friends, neighbors, and the region’s LGBTQ+ community .

This November, June Farms takes its biggest leap yet—onto television screens everywhere, as the star of a new reality show premiering on Amazon Prime Video . The series promises a behind-the-scenes look at the farm’s daily magic: rustic weddings, animal hijinks, and, yes, Baumgartner’s signature blend of queer wit and warmth. For LGBTQ+ viewers, it’s a rare glimpse of rural queer joy that doesn’t hinge on coming-out trauma or big city stereotypes.

In a media landscape where queer rural life is often rendered invisible or caricatured, June Farms stands as a counter-narrative—a living, breathing testament to the power of authenticity and chosen family. “Each time we go to The Pony Barn it feels like we are on vacation. A truly magical place,” writes one visitor .

For LGBTQ+ couples, the ability to celebrate their love openly—surrounded by friends, farm animals, and a supportive queer owner—remains a radical act in many parts of America. June Farms’ commitment to inclusion is more than a tagline; it’s evident in every detail, from ADA-compliant cabins to a staff trained to celebrate all identities .

And now, with the reality show’s debut, Baumgartner’s vision is poised to reach a wider audience, challenging stereotypes and inspiring new dreams of queer rural living . For viewers longing for stories that center joy, community, and visibility, June Farms offers a rare taste of all three—with a side of barnyard sass.

As June Farms continues to grow, so does its impact as an LGBTQ+ beacon in upstate New York. The farm now hosts not just weddings but bonfires, private parties, and weekend retreats, all against the panoramic backdrop of the Hudson Valley . Lodging options—from cozy cabins to fantasy-worthy Hobbit Houses—invite guests to unplug, unwind, and rediscover the magic of queer community outside urban centers .

Baumgartner’s message for future guests is simple yet profound: “Enjoy your engagement, and we look forward to meeting you!” . It’s an invitation, not just to a venue, but to a vision of queer life that’s expansive, joyful, and rooted in the land.

As the world tunes in to June Farms on Amazon Prime Video, LGBTQ+ audiences can take pride in a story that’s as much about cultivating acceptance as it is about cultivating crops. In Baumgartner’s world, every season is Pride season—and everyone is welcome at the table, goats included.