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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 6, 2006)
ajustoyt JANUARY », 2006 Continued from Page 21 After overcoming much initial reluctance, particularly from ranchers PNWGRA is still a few years away from city (as well as Seattle and Boise) at Embers, and stock handlers, the first gay rodeo raised thousands of dollars for hosting a rodeo (it has to raise the 110 N.W. Broadway. beneficiaries. Soon other cities joined, and in 1982 the first National Gay nearly $50,000 that it costs to create Rodeo Finals were held in Reno. At that event, more than 43 contestants such an event), lots of activities are (including mounted drill teams) and 10,(MX) spectators (led by comedi available to those with an interest in the According to Steve Suss, owner of Embers for an Joan Rivers) filled the stands. rodeo lifestyle. For example, the asso more than 38 years, “The gay rodeo is off and Today, 32 chapters, including international chapters in Canada, con ciation holds a twice-yearly Play Day, running, and we hope this is the first of many tinue to preserve and build on the traditions of the Western lifestyle. usually in rural locations so that mem rodeo and cowboy-themed events in Portland and While PNWGRA has about 80 members in its tri-state region, the gay bers can bring their horses. at Embers.” “We’re looking forward to bringing rodeo to an all new level in Portland,” says Bunting. rodeo groups in Colorado, California, Texas and Nevada have hundreds At the 2005 Spring Play Day in Aside from PNWGRA events, you can also of members, with numbers rivaling—and, in some instances, surpass Estacada, nearly 90 guests participated experience the Western lifestyle Wednesdays at ing—the imperial court systems in those cities. in a Western-themed weekend cam C.C. Slaughters, 219 N.W. Davis St., with country . Major 2006 rodeo events include the International Gay Rodeo pout. This gave enthusiasts the oppor dance lessons including line dancing and the Association's Rodeo School on Jan. 12 and 13 in Phoenix, the 1GRA tunity to experience pole bending and Universit} from Feb. 17 to 19 in las Vegas and the IGRA Finals from barrel racing; for those who do not Nov. 10 to 12 in Reno. own or ride horses, on-foot variations KEEPING THE WESTERN LIFESTYLE ALIVE r. 1 1 two-step. And don’t forget that rodeo is for women, too. According to Bunting, “Women are a big were available, as were clinics on calf roping. The event ended success part of the rodeo scene.” He adds, “We want more women to come out fully with an old-fashioned barn dance with music provided by the because our female membership is not as large as some of our sister Roadhouse Wranglers band and an old-fashioned feed featuring a roast associations.” According to the International Gay Rodeo Association, pig- nearly half of all members nationwide are female. Similar events are planned for this spring and fall. Other 2005 events So, if you’re inclined to preserve the Western tradition, go country line The primary purpose for gay rodeo—and perhaps its greatest appeal included a Monte Carlo Night at Thanksgiving in Boise and a Dance Party dancing or throw back a beer—or if you’re simply looking for your own to those who do not own horses or want to compete—is what Bunting just a few' weeks ago in Seattle. More than 20 members actively attend oth Heath Ledger in Wranglers-—check out the PNWGRA Web site or stop by refers to as “preserving the Western lifestyle." This seems to describe liv er rodeo events in sister cities, and several (including Bunting and his ing the Cowboy Code of Ethics immortalized by old-time cowboys like partner, Greg Look) will be attending the Road Runner Gay Rodeo’s a gay rodeo event. When you do, you’ll have one heck of a time.. .even if you never attempt to put jockey shorts on a goat. © Gene Autry, who said, “Cowboys also always speak the truth and never School this month in Phoenix. There they will learn how to chute dog, goat take unfair advantage.” dress and compete in other events like calf roping. A ssociation visit www.pacificngra.org. Membership costs $25 a year In today’s age of cynicism, these words affirm core values that situa tional ethics often obscure—and many want to revert to time-honored standards of ethics when so many values appear to be fleeting. The Western lifestyle also embraces those who simply love the Old West and the spirit of our pioneer forefathers. Others still just enjoy wearing cow boy attire—most recently popularized in the Ang Lee film Brokeback For more information about the P acific N orthwest G ay R odeo THE CHICKEN RANCH COMES TO THE CITY and includes a subscription to the PNWGRA newsletter and admission to the PNWGRA Yahoo group. For more information about the International Gay Rodeo Association, visit www.igra.com. PNWGRA kicks off its 2006 season 6 p.m. Jan. 27 with an event that will bring members from the far comers of the Northwest to celebrate all J oshua R yan is an Emmy-nominated performer and writer and a “Keeping the Western lifestyle and celebrating those traditions are things cowboy right here in Portland. “The Chicken Ranch Comes to the former award-winning club owner and I ms Vegas showgirl. You can what Pacific Northwest Gay Rodeo is all about," Bunting says. Although City” will feature dinner, dancing and live entertainment from around the write him at sashascarlett@msn.com. Mountain. Richard Voss, gri abr Principal Broker / Owner German Formula Inc. Repair Facility & Collision Center BMW. Mercedes & Porsche exclus^el» Peninsula Realty 6110 N Lombard St Portland. OR 97203 Business (503) 286-5826 Cell (503) 804-9424 tffyifCat, ^aw (Diet & * 9 A (Premium & & Food For Cats cat (kat) n. - a domesticated carnivore Allfreerange poultry and organic ingredients. 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