The sport of rodeo has long been associated with the American West and cowboy culture, but did you know that there are gay rodeos held all over North America? These events provide an opportunity for LGBTQ+ cowboys and cowgirls to compete in traditional rodeo events while also celebrating their identities and promoting inclusivity within the rodeo community. In this post, we will explore some of the top gay rodeos in North America.
International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA)
The International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) is the organization that oversees and sanctions gay rodeos across North America. Founded in 1985, the IGRA aims to promote the Western lifestyle and culture within the LGBTQ+ community while also raising funds for local charities. Today, the organization boasts more than 20 member associations, each hosting its own gay rodeo events throughout the year.
Rodeo Events
Gay rodeos typically feature many of the same events as traditional rodeos, including bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and team roping. However, there are also some events that are unique to the gay rodeo circuit, such as the “wild drag race,” in which a team of three contestants (two cowboys and a “drag” queen) race to dress one of the cowboys in drag and ride a steer across the finish line.
Contests such as “Mr. IGRA” and “Miss IGRA” are also popular at gay rodeos. These pageants showcase the talents and personalities of LGBTQ+ individuals within the rodeo community and provide an opportunity for participants to represent their local associations at the IGRA Finals Rodeo.
Top Gay Rodeos
1. National Gay Rodeo Finals
The National Gay Rodeo Finals is the pinnacle of the gay rodeo circuit, attracting the top contestants from each of the IGRA member associations. This premier event is held annually in a different location each year, providing a unique opportunity for local communities to experience the excitement and energy of the gay rodeo.
The National Finals features a wide variety of events, including bull riding, calf roping, and barrel racing, as well as unique contests like the “wild drag race.” The weekend’s festivities are kicked off with the Grand Entry, a colorful parade of all the contestants and their horses that is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
As the largest and most prestigious gay rodeo event in North America, the National Gay Rodeo Finals is not to be missed by fans of rodeo or LGBTQ+ culture. This exciting and inclusive event showcases the talents and athleticism of LGBTQ+ cowboys and cowgirls while also promoting a message of acceptance and inclusivity within the rodeo community.
2. Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo
The Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo is a must-see event for fans of rodeo and LGBTQ+ culture alike. As one of the largest and longest-running gay rodeos in North America, this exciting event attracts top contestants from across the country to compete in a variety of traditional rodeo events as well as unique contests like the “wild drag race.”
Hosted by the Colorado Gay Rodeo Association, the event takes place each July in Denver, Colorado, and features three full days of rodeo competitions, dance parties, and other social activities.
In addition to the thrilling rodeo competitions, the Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo offers a variety of other activities and events for attendees to enjoy. From vendor markets to live music performances, there’s something for everyone at this fun and inclusive event.
3. Oklahoma Gay Rodeo
The Oklahoma Gay Rodeo is an exciting and inclusive event that showcases the talents and athleticism of LGBTQ+ cowboys and cowgirls. Hosted by the Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association, this event takes place each May in Oklahoma City and features two full days of rodeo competitions, including traditional events like bull riding and barrel racing, as well as unique contests like “goat dressing.”
In this event, a team of two contestants races to put underwear on a goat, showcasing both their speed and humor.
In addition to the thrilling rodeo competitions, the Oklahoma Gay Rodeo also offers a variety of other activities and events for attendees to enjoy. From a welcoming “rookie reception” for first-time attendees to a lively “barn dance” after the rodeo events, there’s something for everyone at this fun and inclusive event.
4. Golden State Gay Rodeo
The Golden State Gay Rodeo is a highly anticipated event that celebrates the intersection of cowboy culture and LGBTQ+ pride. Hosted by the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association, this event takes place each May in Bakersfield, California, and features three days of rodeo competitions, including a special “juniors” category for contestants under the age of 18.
This category provides young cowboys and cowgirls with the opportunity to showcase their skills and compete alongside their peers.
In addition to the rodeo events, the Golden State Gay Rodeo also features a variety of other activities and events for attendees to enjoy. From vendor markets to live music performances, there’s something for everyone at this fun and inclusive event.
5. Atlantic Stampede Gay Rodeo
Hosted by the Atlantic States Gay Rodeo Association, this event takes place each September in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and features two full days of rodeo competitions, including traditional events like bull riding and barrel racing. Attendees can also enjoy unique contests such as “steer decorating,” in which teams race to put a halter and decorations on a steer.
In addition to the rodeo events, the Atlantic Stampede Gay Rodeo also features a variety of other activities and events for attendees to enjoy. One of the highlights is the “chuckwagon” dinner, which offers a delicious meal and a chance to socialize with other rodeo fans.
The event also includes a dance party, which provides a lively and welcoming atmosphere for attendees to celebrate and have fun.
6. Arizona Gay Rodeo
This event takes place each February in Phoenix, Arizona, and features three full days of rodeo competitions, including traditional events such as bull riding and calf roping, as well as unique contests like “chute dogging.” Attendees can also enjoy a vendor market featuring western-themed merchandise, as well as lively dance parties that provide a festive atmosphere for rodeo fans.
Aside from the rodeo events and vendor market, this event also features a variety of other activities and events for attendees to enjoy. One of the highlights is the “rookie roundup,” which provides first-time attendees with a welcoming introduction to the event and an opportunity to meet other rodeo fans.
Attendees can also participate in fun contests like the “Mr. Arizona Gay Rodeo” pageant or the “lip sync showdown,” which showcase the creativity and talent of the LGBTQ+ community.
7. Great Plains Rodeo
Organized by the Missouri Gay Rodeo Association, this event takes place each September in Kansas City, Missouri, and features two full days of rodeo competitions, including traditional events like bull riding and calf roping, as well as unique contests such as “steer decorating.” Attendees can also enjoy a variety of food vendors and merchandise booths, providing a fun and festive atmosphere for rodeo fans.
The Great Plains Rodeo also features a variety of other activities and events for attendees to enjoy. One of the highlights is the “Wild West” themed dance party, which provides a lively and welcoming atmosphere for rodeo fans to celebrate and have fun.
8. California Circuit Finals Rodeo
This event is organized each October in Las Vegas, Nevada, and features thrilling rodeo competitions, including traditional events like bull riding and barrel racing. Attendees can also witness unique contests such as “team roping” and “steer riding” that LGBTQ+ cowboys and cowgirls highly praise.
In combination with these exciting rodeo competitions, the California Circuit Finals Rodeo also features a variety of other activities and events for attendees to enjoy. One of the highlights is the “awards ceremony,” which celebrates the accomplishments of the top contestants and awards circuit titles. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of vendor booths and food options, providing a fun and festive atmosphere for rodeo fans.
9. Cornhusker State Rodeo
Hosted by the Nebraska Gay Rodeo Association, this event takes place each July in Lincoln, Nebraska, and features two full days of rodeo competitions, including traditional events in combination with some unique contests like “goat dressing.” Visitors can also enjoy a variety of food vendors and merchandise booths, providing a fun and festive atmosphere for rodeo fans.
The Cornhusker State Rodeo also features a variety of other activities and events for attendees to enjoy. One of the highlights is the “Miss Nebraska Gay Rodeo” pageant, which celebrates the beauty, talent, and poise of LGBTQ+ cowgirls. The pageant includes events like evening gown and talent competitions, providing a platform for contestants to showcase their skills and personalities.
10. North Star Regional Rodeo
This event takes place each July in Hugo, Minnesota, and features three full days of rodeo competitions, including unique contests like “pole bending.” Visitors are treated to a variety of food vendors and merchandise booths, providing a fun and festive atmosphere for rodeo fans.
One of the highlights is the “barn dance,” which provides a lively and welcoming atmosphere for rodeo fans to celebrate and have fun. The event also includes a “beer bust,” which offers attendees unlimited beer and soda for a set fee.
Final Words
Gay rodeos provide a unique and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals within the traditionally conservative world of rodeo. These events offer a chance to celebrate cowboy culture and compete in a supportive environment while also promoting visibility and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.
If you want to find out more about rodeos organized worldwide, make sure to revisit our website, as we update the content on a daily basis.