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.
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