It is the mission of the GSGRA-GSDC to educate and foster it’s members to become proficient and professional individuals who provide charitable fundraising events and organizational activities, further the growth and enjoyment of the country western lifestyle through friendly social interaction, and collectively promote amateur rodeo through participation, competition and recognition; to be a support organization within the community and surrounding areas, barring all prejudices with regards to gender, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, race, age, or disability.

It is the mission of the GSGRA-GSDC to educate and foster it’s members to become proficient and professional individuals who provide charitable fundraising events and organizational activities, further the growth and enjoyment of the country western lifestyle through friendly social interaction, and collectively promote amateur rodeo through participation, competition and recognition; to be a support organization within the community and surrounding areas, barring all prejudices with regards to gender, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, race, age, or disability.

The beginnings of rodeo can be traced back to the ranches of the early 1700’s

The early 1800’s saw the westward expansion when Americans from the East came into contact with Spanish, Mexican, Californio, and Texican cowboys and began to copy and adapt their styles and traditions of working the ranches.

At the end of the long trails, these new American "Cowboys" would often hold informal competitions among themselves and the various different outfits to see which group had the best riders, ropers and all-around best drovers. It would be

from these competitions that modern rodeo would eventually be born.

Small towns across the frontier would hold annual stock horse shows, known as 'rodeos', or ‘gatherings’. Cowboys would often travel to these gatherings and put on what would be known then as ‘Cowboy Competitions’.

Spectators began to pay to see the competitions and cowboys would

pay to compete, with their money going into the prize pool. Many towns began to organize and promote their local rodeo. In frontier towns all over the west (like Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Prescott, Arizona) the rodeo became the most anticipated event of the year.

The International Gay Rodeo Association

(IGRA) is an organization comprised of

numerous regional Gay Rodeo Associations

from across the United States and Canada. IGRA,

in collaboration with member associations, assist these

associations in raising and donating thousands of dollars to

charity in their communities 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".

Gay Rodeo HistoryIt is a huge surprise to many that the gay community is involved in rodeo, but this being America and the fact that all of us are intrigued with our Western heritage, it only adds to the reality "We are everywhere!" The gay community

has found many creative ways to become involved with America in efforts to overcome the walls of prejudice. The "Imperial Court" system asked their "Empress and Emperor" to raise money for charity. It was felt that raising money for the "Muscular Dystrophy Association" would make a statement for both our existence and our concern for our neighbors.

Emperor I of Reno, NV, Phil Ragsdale, came up with one of the most creative ideas to raise funds. An amateur gay rodeo would be fun, raise money, and even erase a lot of gay stereotyping.

Ragsdale did not find it easy to pull off this event. He did finally land the Washoe County Fairgrounds for October 2, 1976, but could not get any local ranchers to allow gays the use of their animals. Finally he was able to locate five "wild" range cows, ten "wild" range calves, one pig, and a Shetland pony. "IT WAS RODEO TIME!"

Over 125 people took part in this "first" event and the winners were crowned; first, "King of the Cowboys," second, "Queen of the Cowgirls," and third, "Miss Dusty Spurs" (the drag queen).

It was great fun and a minor success.

1975 Phil Ragsdale comes up with the idea of holding a gay rodeo to raise money for the local Senior Citizens Thanksgiving Feed

1976 First gay rodeo held in Reno NV 125 contestants

1977 Reno Rodeo group becomes the Comstock Gay Rodeo Association Gay dace troupes first become part of gay rodeo

$214 raised for MDA

1980 Pacific Coast Gay Rodeo Association founded in California

1981 Colorado Gay Rodeo Association founded in Denver Reno rodeo and related events brings 40,000 gays to Reno

$40,000 raised for MDA in Reno10,000 attend Reno rodeo

1983 First gay rodeo outside Reno held in Colorado, June 3 Reno Rodeo allows Royalty to designate 50% of raised money to MDA and 50% to other gay relate charities

12,000 attend Reno rodeo

1984 9th Reno Gay Rodeo marks the last of the original gay rodeos in Reno 3rd gay rodeo outside Reno held in Texas Golden State Gay Rodeo Association (GSGRA) formed Arizona Gay Rodeo Association (AGRA) formed

1985 IGRA founded with members including Colorado, Texas, California and Arizona First IGRA convention held in Denver Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association (OGRA) founded and seated at IGRA convention

1986 Oklahoma GRA combines efforts with Kansas and Missouri GRAs to host first Great Plains Regional Rodeo Kansas Gay Rodeo Association (KGRA) seated at IGRA convention Missouri Gay Rodeo Association (MGRA) seated at IGRA convention New Mexico Gay Rodeo Association (NMGRA) seated at IGRA convention

1987 The IGRA Certification Program implemented at convention Silver State Gay Rodeo Association (SSGRA Nevada) seated at IGRA convention First country western dance competition held at IGRA convention First IGRA Finals rodeo held in Hayward, California

1988 Oregon Gay Rodeo Association seated at convention Cowboy State Rodeo Association (CSRA Wyoming) founded Chute Coordinator Certification Program begins with 6 people certified

1989 Cowboy State (CSRA Wyoming) changes name to Big Sky Gay Rodeo Association (BSGRA) Big Sky Gay Rodeo Association (BSGRA Montana) seated at convention Utah Gay Rodeo Association (UGRA) seated at convention

1990 Northwest (Wa Or Id British Columbi) Gay Rodeo Association seated at convention North Star (Mn Wi) Gay Rodeo Association seated at convention Tri-State (Oh In Ky) Gay Rodeo Association founded Diamond State (Ar) Rodeo Association

1991 IGRA split into 3 regions Atlantic States (ASGRA, Md Va DC) Gay Rodeo Association seated at convention Southeast (SEGRA, Ga) Gay Rodeo Association seated at convention IGRA gets first International sponsor, Miller Light

1992 Arkansas joins the Great Plains Regional Rodeo Nevada Gay Rodeo Association (NGRA) seated at convention First area outside the US joins IGRA when NWGRA adds British Columbia to their area IGRA signs 3 year sponsorship agreement with Miller Light

1993 Illinois Gay Rodeo Association (ILGRA) seated at convention Heartland (Nebraska) Gay Rodeo Association (HGRA) seated at convention Alberta Gay Rodeo Association (AGRA) seated at convention, creating some confusion with Arizona's acronym

16 rodeos held

1994 Tri-State (Oh In Ky) Gay Rodeo Association seated at convention Michigan International Gay Rodeo Association (MIGRA) seated at convention AGRA agrees to change their name to Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association (ARGRA) to eliminate confusion with Arizona First IGRA sanctioned rodeo outside the US is held near Calgary IGRA split into 4 divisions to include new rodeos in the east Heartland (HGRA) changed territory to Nebraska and Iowa

1995 Pennsylvania Gay Rodeo Association (PGRA) seated at convention Tri-State (TSGRA) did not renew membership one year after being seated

22 rodeos

1996 IGRA.com website goes on line June 14

1998 Big Sky Gay Rodeo Association (BSGRA Montana) dissolves SEGRA changes territory MIGRA changed territory to Michigan, Ohio, SW Ontario

1999 Idaho Gay Rodeo Association (IDGRA) seated at convention OGRA, KGRA, MGRA and Arkansas split effortsASGRA expandes territory MIGRA reduced territory to Michigan only PGRA changed name to PONYGRA (PA, OH, NY Gay Rodeo Association)

2000 Salt Lake City Rodeo ARGRA changed territory to Alberta and British Columbia

2002 Sooner State Rodeo Association (SSRA) seated at conventionHigh Sierra Rodeo Association (HSRA) (Washoe County Nevada) seated at convention

2003 IGRA establishes Hall of Fame Gateway Gay Rodeo Association (GWGRA) was seated at conventionASGRA added New Jersey to their territory

2005 Florida Gay Rodeo Association (FGRA) seated at convention

2006 IGRA University moves to Las Vegas with a new format and expanded classes Liberty Gay Rodeo Association (LGRA) seated at convention Central Canada Gay Rodeo Association (CCGRA) seated at convention

2007 IGRA online contestant registration system goes live Louisiana State Gay Rodeo Association (LSGRA) seated at convention PONY (Pa Oh Ny) Gay Rodeo Association dissolves

2008 Wayne Jakino, sometimes known as "the Father of IGRA" dies of cancer, July 16 IGRA history timeline page first posted CGRA looses domain name (cgra.com) when grabbed by an automated system upon expiring

2009 Georgia Gay Rodeo Association (GGRA) dissolves IGRA Finals Rodeo changes name to World Gay Rodeo Finals Gregory Hinton, with assistance from Patrick Terry creates the Gay Rodeo Legacy Project where IGRA archives are prepared for donation to the Autry National Center

The "Urban Cowboy" phenomenon also appeared in California in the early eighties. While Fresno

and the Bay Area were the most visible at the Reno rodeos, a loosely organized group called the "Pacific Coast Gay Rodeo Association" provided contestants for both the Reno and Colorado rodeos. Hundreds of men and women attended the Reno rodeos, but the man with the burning desire to organize California was in Long Beach.

Al Bell opened "Floyd's" in Long Beach, which became one of the best Country/Western bars in the Greater Los Angeles area. Bell and Pat McGrath traveled to Reno and Denver and became hooked. Bell invited folks from CGRA and TGRA to visit and McGrath leaped into organizing "Floyd's Cloggers," later to become one of the best-known dance troupes in the nation. The Golden State Gay Rodeo Association (GSGRA) officially organized in 1984 and set a rodeo date for the following March. The Los Angeles Equestrian Center, located in Burbank, became the site for the fourth state to host a gay rodeo.

Golden State Gay Rodeo Association was established in 1984

There are four chapters within the Association Bay Area Chapter Greater Los Angeles Chapter – est.

1984 Greater Palm Springs Chapter Greater San Diego Chapter – est. 1988

Cowboys and Cowgirls Something for everyone! The GSGRA-GSDC is

dedicated to producing events and activities with something for everyone to enjoy. While many of our events are centered around rodeos, everyone in the community is encouraged to get involved...we are sure you will find something to pique your interest.

Royalty The Royalty Team represents our

community as a positive image of the western lifestyle across the state of California and the International Gay Rodeo circuit. The royalty team

participates in numerous activities throughout the year,

making Charity work, Fund-raising, and Community Outreach their top priorities. The winners each year are

granted the titles of Mr. San Diego Rodeo, Ms. San Diego Rodeo, Miss San Diego

Rodeo and MsTer San Diego Rodeo.

Dancing The western community is known for their love of two step,

waltz, and swing, as well as square dancing and line dancing. The GSGRA-GSDC is an avid supporter of organized dance groups and those who simply enjoy kicking up their heels to good country music. Every rodeo produced in the GSGRA-GSDC is committed to providing an opportunity to attend dance parties, contests, exhibitions, and exciting dance performances. Additionally, there is an International Gay Rodeo Association Finals Dance contest to receive top honors in the international rodeo dance circuit.

Entertainment Looking for excellent country

and western entertainment? GSGRA-GSDC is the place! A strong dedication is put forth in

order to provide an uplifting and cultural experience for everyone in our community. The GSGRA-GSDC includes a variety of entertainment at all of our state

rodeos, with some of the finest GLBT singers, performers, dance groups,

cloggers and more...

Chapter Activities The GSGRA-GSDC are active in the

community. Chapter activities include educational seminars, rodeo event practice, social gatherings, and fund-raising events. Becoming involved in your local chapter is an excellent way to meet people in your community with similar interests. Each chapter has regularly scheduled meetings. Learning to produce, compete in, or organize events can be a very exciting and rewarding experience.

Why Do We Do It?

Why Do We Do It? The Greater San Diego Chapter of GSGRA is a non-profit, all

volunteer organization. Each year, it takes over 200 volunteers to put on our event. From the Chapter's Boots & Briefs contest to the Awards Ceremony honoring our contestants, every step is planned and implemented by volunteers. Helping to make this happen is not only rewarding, it is also a lot of fun.

Why do we do it? Besides furthering the growth and enjoyment of the western lifestyle and promoting amateur Gay Rodeo, GSGRA-GSDC raises money to donate to local community organizations. We do this by producing the annual Rodeo, donating part of the proceeds to worthy organizations.

Being a member is more than just sweat and hard work. We also know how to have fun. GSGRA-GSDC is an organization that not only strives to put on one of the best and biggest rodeos in the IGRA circuit, but works hard all year long to make our members feel welcome and appreciated. As with all of the chapters in GSGRA, we offer our members discounts at local shops and restaurants, as well as opportunities to socialize. GSGRA-GSDC organizes trail rides, camping, and other events throughout the year to which all members are invited to attend.

ANIMAL WELFARE STATEMENT

ANIMAL WELFARE STATEMENT The International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) imposes specified

rules, which are strictly enforced, and penalizes any contestant found to be guilty of inhumane treatment of animals, the least of which is their immediate disqualification from further competition.

IGRA bylaws are public record and include numerous rules which strongly protect animals from abuse, including passages that prohibit the use of lame, sore, sick, or undersized stock; mandate the availability of veterinary care; prohibit the beating or cruel prodding of animals; direct the release of any animal from competition that appears in danger of injuring itself; and forbid the use of metal or fiberglass rigging, any equipment judged to be too tight, or the concealed use of caustic ointments or burrs.

The IGRA hereby endorses and adopts the promotion of animal welfare and the humane, responsible treatment of animals in their housing, feeding, training, exercising and competition. We shall strive to assure that our events are purposely tailored and executed to provide animal and human participants the safest environment possible and shall act to immediately disqualify or reprimand any contestant, official, or contracted personnel found to be treating animals in an inhumane manner.

Like a well conditioned athlete, an animal can perform well only if it is

healthy.

Like a well conditioned athlete, an animal can perform well only if it is

healthy.

The Riderless Horse is a traditional ceremony that dates back to the days when armies relied on four-legged power rather than motorized transportation. Our ceremony honors the memory of men and women of rodeo.

There is a special bond between horse and rider. This relationship cannot be duplicated with mechanical equipment. Over the years, the horse and rider, learning each other's movements, body language, moods and clues, strengthen this bond. When that bond is broken, the horse must adjust to life without its familiar partner.

The most famous example of this ceremony was John F. Kennedy's funeral procession. The horse, Black Jack, was walked riderless behind the casket that carried the President's body. Reversed boots placed in the stirrups show that the rider has passed away. The ceremonyis intended to honor all of those loved ones who are no longer with us.

The Riderless Horse is an honor usually reserved for someone who has worked for our community, in the fight against AIDS, or for the rodeo itself. They represent the fact that life goes on with new peopletaking up the fight for their fallen comrades.

Ceremony of the riderless horse