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Over the weekend in Denton, the North Texas Fair and Rodeo hosted a groundbreaking event—a gay rodeo show that attracted crowds from all corners of the state.
The Texas Gay Rodeo Association (TGRA) organized its 41st Texas Tradition Rodeo. For many onlookers, the event wasn’t just a thrilling showcase of horsemanship and rodeo prowess, but also a significant stride toward greater inclusivity and acceptance in the traditionally conservative realm of rodeo.
NBC 5’s photojournalist, Kennedy DeRaedt, conversed with cowboys, cowgirls, and rodeo aficionados who have been involved with the event for years.
Wade Earp, a member of TGRA for over three decades, has amassed numerous accolades, including multiple “All-Around Cowboy” titles, event belt buckles, and royalty titles for both TGRA and the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA).
“I believe many people don’t associate ‘gay’ with ‘rodeo’,” remarked Earp. “However, our rodeo is open and accepting to all.”
“When I was four years old, I told my mom I knew I was different. I didn’t know what that meant, but I knew I was different.”
Earp’s first partner of five years passed away due to complications from HIV.
“It was a very dark time, and my rodeo family was really there for me.”
TGRA, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with chapters in Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and Houston, raises funds for charities combating HIV/AIDS and other causes like breast cancer and homelessness. The organization has contributed over two million dollars to Texas charities.
“In Texas, we’ve raised a substantial amount of money,” stated Randy Edlin, currently serving his third two-year term as TGRA president.
“At the end of the year, if the rodeo is profitable, that money goes back to the cities where it was raised.”
Participation isn’t restricted to LGBTQIA+ individuals. The IGRA attracts many women, including heterosexual women, by permitting them to compete in events typically reserved for men in other rodeo associations.
The rodeo comprises 13 events categorized into Rough Stock and Camp.
“We have women bronc riders, women steer riders, women bull riders, men barrel racers; men and women compete in all the same events,” explained Edlin.
Mat Berger attended the rodeo with his boyfriend. While it wasn’t Berger’s inaugural rodeo experience, it was his first gay rodeo.
“Sexuality doesn’t dictate your interests, and there’s a place for everyone here,” remarked Berger.
“It shouldn’t be a black-and-white world; it should be a multicolored, faceted world where everybody gets to be themselves,” emphasized Earp.