by Lindsey Leger

“Welcome, all you cowboys and cowgirls and those of you who haven’t decided yet,” a voice said over the rodeo loudspeaker. “I can promise you that this year’s rodeo finals will be fierce, fun and fabulous!”

This is one of the first clues that this isn’t just any rodeo. This is the scene of the World Gay Rodeo Finals, organized by the International Gay Rodeo Association, held this year Oct. 9-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to traditional rodeo events like steer riding, calf roping and barrel racing, this rodeo also has Steer Decorating, Goat Dressing and a Wild Drag Race.

The rodeo has its roots in the same state where, in 1988, 100 competitors and 400 guests were turned away by law enforcement at that year’s rodeo finals because of their sexual orientation. A history of rejection and discrimination formed a tight-knit, yet diverse community of rodeo athletes and supporters across the U.S. and Canada.
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Much of the group hovered around age 40 or older, but a young couple from Seattle was part of the younger crowd in attendance. Amanda Kirkhuff, a visual artist, and Clyde Petersen, a musician, have attended many rodeos over the years but say gay rodeos are the most fun. Amanda appreciates the more open environment. ... “You always see gay people at rodeos, but it’s just unspoken — it’s a homophobic space,” she said. “The gender division is so much better here. The competitors are pretty evenly split, not like other rodeos where it’s like 90% men.”