Ventura County Star Mention
Here’s a link to the story. A great comment follows the story…
Posted by RowdyCowgirl4Fun on June 25, 2008 at 8:09 a.m.
Well… I must say… as a stratight cowgirl having heard of this event my curiousity could not keep me away…. I mozied on over the the arena on Sunday and was very pleased to say that if you didn’t know it was a “Gay” rodeo… you may not have caught wind of it…. unless you saw the occasional guys and gals holding hands with one another or showing a little bit of what I thought was appropriate PDA. There were children there, moms, dads, and even grandparents.
What I did notice that stood out above the “straight” rodeos, not exactly billed as such was that comaradarie mentioned above. People were friendly! People said hello to me, smiled, and were laughing and having a good time, no attitude! I noticed that in the arena people helped one another, even if they were competeing against each other.
I also very much enjoyed the announcers funny comments and the riderless horse ceremony I thought was a beautiful tribute to people they knew who had passed away. I’d never seen this done at other rodeos. The camp events were funny to watch and I liked that even if you didn’t have a horse or if you didnt ride a bronc or bull that someone could still be involved.
They DO NOT use cattle prods otherwise known as hot shots… they used these cute little rainbow colored pieces of plastic pvc pipe that although may have taken more time to get the animals where they wanted them, was way nicer…and the entire event is produced by volunteers all here to preserve the sport of rodeo and make money for an AIDS charity.
“Gotta tell ya, these guys and gals were definitely not softies, they are tough competitors with amazing animals all better looking and tended than some of the horses at the barn where I keep mine.”
I commend them for their pride and for creating a safe place for them to be who they are, gay cowboys and cowgirls, and do what they love.
It was easy to feel the love also mentioned above and I didn’t know a soul… however did get a chance to chat with some people in the stands who willingly filled a newcomer in on some of the history that is rich with perseverance, fundraising and dedication.
Ten thumbs up!
