Welcome to the Gay Rodeo Where Everyone Is Welcome

TEXAS -- The International Gay Rodeo Association was formed because many cowboys and cowgirls were ostracized from traditional rodeo shows for being openly gay. They risked losing their jobs or worse, physical violence, by competing in the sport they loved.

"Years ago, gay cowboys and cowgirls were ostracized and not allowed to compete. So they created the International Gay Rodeo Association so that gay and lesbian cowboys could compete what we love without being ridiculed, ostracized, or put into danger," says one participant, who goes by the assumed name Jameson Cole.

Since the IGRA was created, Gay rodeo shows across the U.S. have become a place for LGBTQ+ cowboys and cowgirls to gather, show off their skills, and celebrate just like a traditional rodeo.

"Gay, straight, man, woman, transgender, we had drag queens out there wrestling steer. Whoever you are, you want to come in and rodeo, you want to get your boots dirty with us, come on through, old, young, doesn't matter."