Cowgirl Up - Info

The International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) is an umbrella organization comprised of 20 regional Gay Rodeo Associations from across the United States and Canada. IGRA serves to foster the sport of Rodeo and Country & Western activities. IGRA, in fellowship with its member associations, donates thousands of dollars to charity each year. The Gay and Lesbian Communities of the United States and Canada have been enriched by the educational efforts of IGRA through its sanctioning and sponsorship of the various events and activities which are a part of what we call Gay Rodeo.

OUR HISTORY AND PURPOSE

Gay Rodeo had its beginnings in 1976 at the National Reno Gay Rodeo in Nevada. Over the next eight years local rodeo associations were formed in Colorado, Texas, California, and Arizona. In 1985, these four Gay Rodeo Associations along with Oklahoma founded the IGRA. From these beginnings, the IGRA has spread the Rodeo spirit and enthusiasm from Texas into Canada and from the West coast to the East coast.

Through convention of its Member Associations, the IGRA has evolved a code of fellowship and good sportsmanship with the provision of standardized rules and guidelines for the development of the skills necessary for rodeo events. IGRA-sanctioned rodeos are hosted by local associations each year and culminate in a Finals Rodeo where the top 20 contestants in each event compete for the title of International Champion. The IGRA has expanded its enrichment activities to include more of the social Country & Western lifestyle activities. Throughout the year, the regional associations sponsor dance competitions in preparation for the IGRA's annual International Dance Competition featuring the best men and women dancers from its member associations.

EDUCATION AND ANIMAL WELFARE

Encouragement of honesty, good sportsmanship, and fair play has been the hallmark of the IGRA as it has sought to enrich and educate the Gay and Lesbian Community. The sometimes rough and rugged sport of Rodeo offers an appeal to the thousands of members of IGRA's regional associations. Through structured regional education programs and competition, our men and women have improved their skills and have learned good sportsmanship. The men and women of the IGRA have and encouraged others to have and maintain a healthy respect for the well treatment of our animals that also participate in rodeo activities and are a critical part of this heritage.

COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

The preparation and physical training for each rodeo that our men and women are involved in help to heighten our awareness of Gay Rodeo's responsibilities to the Gay and Lesbian Community. The IGRA and its regional associations have committed themselves to the raising of funds from their activities to distribute back into the community for charitable use. Over 2 million dollars, as reported by our Member Associations, has been raised and distributed to charitable organizations who care for and seek cures for those with the HIV disease as well as other health and social ills within our society as a whole.

WHERE ARE WE?

You will find our members come from the concrete canyons and mountains of our major cities to the open plains, deserts, and natural mountains of our Western regions and from all careers and walks of life. Without regard to race, ethnic group, or sexual orientation, the men and women from within IGRA's Member Associations share and teach each other not only the skills and competitive fun of rodeo but of human fellowship and teamwork to accomplish whatever we set before us as a goal.

BE A PART OF THE IGRA

Across the United States and Canada, the International Gay Rodeo Association brings to the society as a whole, and the Gay and Lesbian Community in particular, the opportunity to experience Rodeo and all that it has come to encompass under IGRA. As a spectator, competitor, or participant in the many tasks involved in putting on a rodeo weekend, people from the United States and Canada can travel a relatively short distance from their homes and be a part of at least one Gay Rodeo sometime during the year.

Check the listing of Member Associations listed on this Web site and we are sure you will find one near you. Join a regional rodeo association and experience Rodeo first hand. Become a member in preserving the heritage of the American Spirit in the Gay and Lesbian Community.

Original text by Gary Robinson, ASGRA. Revised text by Thom Sloan, NMGRA. ©1996-2001 IGRA, Denver, Colorado

Glossary of Rodeo Terms