Fifty miles east of Reno, Nevada, near the agricultural and military town of Fallon, John King gazed across a bustling highway towards the ranch where a legendary rodeo never materialized. Thirty-seven years prior, in October 1988, the contestants and organizers of that year’s Gay Rodeo Finals were denied access to the ranch, their path blocked by then-Churchill County Sheriff Bill Lawry. "It was the first time I’d seen raw, undeniable hate," King recounted, remembering the tense hours where a judge’s injunction, a shotgun-wielding sheriff, and a contingent of deputies stood between the rodeo participants, their horses, and their aspirations. The crowd, King recalled, pushed against the gates, met with heated threats of violence, until they were eventually permitted to load their horses and depart, a stark reminder of the prejudice they faced.

King, a pivotal figure in the history of the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA), later characterized the 1988 standoff as "our Stonewall," a moment of profound confrontation that, while deeply painful, galvanized the community. The incident in Fallon marked the climax of a protracted struggle between the IGRA, its venue partners, and a coalition of anti-gay activists who had mobilized with the explicit aim of shutting down the year’s finals. Initially slated for Reno, the birthplace of gay rodeo, the event was driven out by local opposition fueled by fear and misinformation, particularly during the height of the AIDS crisis which disproportionately affected the LGBTQ+ community. In response, the rodeo organizers sought a new venue on private land in Fallon, only to be met with legal barriers and forceful obstruction. Although the finals were ultimately dispersed across several cities that year, the memory of the Fallon incident left an indelible mark on northern Nevada’s landscape.

This mid-October, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the first gay rodeo, the finals returned to Reno, a homecoming imbued with significance. A few days prior to the main events, participants and supporters embarked on a bus tour to Fallon, visiting the very site of the 1988 standoff. Among them was Andy Siekkinen, the rodeo’s press representative and a competitor, recognizable by his tall stature and distinctive handlebar mustache. Brian Helander, the current president of IGRA, joined the group, extending a handshake. "We’re not out here in anger," Helander stated, emphasizing the event’s purpose. "It’s about understanding… and closure." Siekkinen, with a subtle smile, added, "And triumph," a sentiment echoed by Helander: "And triumph. We’re still here."

Standing by the roadside opposite the ranch gate, organizer Brian Rodgers held aloft a poster-sized reproduction of the injunction that had halted the rodeo 37 years prior. Around 50 people gathered, repeating after him the resonant affirmation: "We remember, we honor, we continue." Rodgers then symbolically rolled up the document, a tangible representation of bigotry and pain, and sealed it with rainbow-patterned duct tape, signifying a deliberate act of closure, of moving past that painful chapter. As the group boarded the bus back to Reno, chilled beers were distributed, and Rodgers called out, "Thanks to everybody who came. Drink your beers. Let’s rodeo!" The journey back was soundtracked by the Georgia Satellites’ "Keep Your Hands to Yourself," a fitting anthem for a community reclaiming its space.

Two days later, the Reno Livestock Events Center buzzed with anticipation as hundreds gathered for the opening day of the rodeo finals. The air, thick with the scent of fresh dirt and horses, was punctuated by the excited murmur of conversations. Competitors, clad in a spectrum of Western attire, from classic denim and snap-button shirts to more flamboyant ensembles adorned with fringe and intricate stitching, prepared for the events. The calf roping on foot, a display of speed and precision, kicked off the festivities. Murmur Tuckness, a veteran who had witnessed the 1988 standoff and competed as early as 1981, demonstrated her prowess by securing the best time in the women’s category.

The Grand Entry, the ceremonial prelude to the rodeo, featured riders carrying the Canadian, U.S., and Nevada state flags, joined by the vibrant Pride flag, all galloping in unison. Rodeo royalty and contestants from across regional gay rodeo associations paraded with pride, a visual testament to the diversity and unity of the IGRA. A defining characteristic of the gay rodeo is its inclusive approach to competition, where events are generally separated by gender, but registration is based on self-identification, welcoming nonbinary and trans athletes to compete in their chosen categories. This progressive stance makes IGRA a rare sporting organization that actively encourages transgender participation. Unlike traditional rodeo formats, women are permitted to compete in bronc, steer, and bull riding, and mixed-gender teams vie for victory in roping events, fostering an environment where cisgender and straight individuals stand shoulder to shoulder with the LGBTQ+ community.

The atmosphere behind the chutes, a space often characterized by intense focus and competitive pressure in conventional rodeos, here offered a different experience. The tense, fearful glares were replaced by warm smiles, supportive pep talks, and an undeniable spirit of camaraderie and flamboyant self-expression. "It’s a level playing field," remarked Mark Allen Smith, an athlete and rodeo royalty contestant in the nonbinary category, articulating the inclusive ethos. "I can walk out there with my rodeo partner Jen and compete on the same events." Smith, who later that day endured a forceful encounter with a steer in the steer-decorating event, went on to participate in the second half of the Gay Rodeo: a Western dance competition and a royalty contest held at the downtown Silver Legacy casino, where the titles of Ms., Miss, Mr., Mx., and MsTer International Gay Rodeo Association would be awarded.

In the carpeted casino basement, a packed house of enthusiastic supporters cheered on their friends. Smith, reappearing in full drag, complete with a brunette wig, a flowing skirt, and a sash proclaiming their contestant status, captivated the audience. As midnight struck, Smith was crowned Mx. International Gay Rodeo Association, a prestigious title they will hold for the coming year. The celebration continued late into the night with lively line dancing, cloggers, and energetic two-stepping routines filling the ballroom.

The genesis of gay rodeo traces back to 1976 in Reno, when Phil Ragsdale, a prominent figure in the local chapter of the Imperial Court System, an LGBTQ+ advocacy network, organized the first event. His initial goal was to raise funds for the Senior Citizens Thanksgiving Feed, and in the spirit of Nevada’s rodeo culture, he established a gay rodeo. What began with 125 attendees in 1976 blossomed into an event drawing 10,000 people by 1980, showcasing the growing appeal and support for the sport.

By 1988, IGRA had established chapters nationwide, and the Gay Rodeo Finals were set to return to Reno, scheduled to be held at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Lawlor Events Center. However, this period coincided with the devastating AIDS epidemic, which ravaged the LGBTQ+ community, and a concurrent rise in conservative Christian activism that propagated harmful stereotypes. In Reno, local anti-gay activists exerted pressure on politicians, leading to the cancellation of the event. Rather than an outright cancellation, the university cited contractual issues and withdrew its support. While the ACLU mounted a defense, the IGRA ultimately opted for an alternative venue: an arena on private land in Fallon.

This decision, however, led to further legal entanglements. District Court Judge Archie E. Blake issued an injunction barring the rodeo, citing the private venue’s lack of proper permits, despite claims from organizers that it had previously hosted similar events without issue. This series of events effectively ended Reno’s claim as the home of the Gay Rodeo, a significant loss for a community that had birthed such a unique and inclusive tradition. The author reflects on growing up in Reno, largely unaware of this history, noting how the event had been erased from the city’s narrative. The article laments Reno’s missed opportunity in 1988, suggesting the city could have embraced and championed this creative community and its groundbreaking sport, instead of driving them away.

Reno, a city the author professes to love, is also described as having a tendency towards self-sabotage, chasing grand promises of wealth and influence while overlooking its inherent strengths. The city’s history, the author suggests, is marked by a pattern of ignoring or undermining its organic talents in pursuit of distant, often illusory, opportunities.

On the final day of the rodeo, the crisp Nevada air and sharp sunlight provided a perfect backdrop for the concluding events. Gay rodeo shares many similarities with its traditional counterpart, but distinguishes itself with "camp events" that add a unique flair. Goat dressing, a crowd favorite, involves contestants racing to put underwear on a goat, while steer decorating challenges teams to subdue a steer long enough to tie a ribbon to its tail. The Wild Drag Race, perhaps the most chaotic and entertaining camp event, features three-person teams comprised of one man, one woman, and one drag queen. The drag contestant positions themselves on a chalk line 70 feet from the chutes. One team member, given a rope attached to a steer, works to guide the animal past the chalk line, where the drag contestant then attempts to ride the steer back across the line to win. This event often results in spectacular dismounts and the comical sight of teammates being dragged across the dirt, desperately clinging to the rope.

Wandering the concourse between events, one could find booths selling Western wear, cowboy boots, tie-dyed shirts, and novelty items. A historical exhibit showcased the evolution of gay rodeo through posters, plaques, medals, ropes, and photo albums, chronicling the sport’s journey. Observing the vibrant scene, the author envisioned an alternate timeline where the annual Reno Gay Rodeo had become an integral part of the city’s identity, a celebrated and cherished event that stood as a testament to its inclusivity and creativity, offering a bulwark against external judgment. The article concludes with a hopeful note, suggesting that Reno, a city known for embracing second chances, might still have an opportunity to reclaim this vibrant aspect of its heritage. The rodeo concluded with a final bull ride, accompanied by Lil Jon’s "Turn Down For What," as the rider successfully stayed mounted for the requisite six seconds. As the arena emptied into the twilight, the announcers offered their thanks, and the classic strains of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans’ "Happy Trails" filled the air. Back inside, an organizer carefully placed the rolled-up injunction into a box, destined to join other artifacts in the IGRA archives, a symbol of a past overcome.