ABOUT
The Nevada Gay Rodeo Association (NGRA) is an affiliate of the International Gay Rodeo Association, which has 15 member associations in the U.S. and Canada. These associations hold approximately 15 sanctioned rodeos each year, including International Finals. The Nevada Gay Rodeo Association is an all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving the western lifestyle and producing gay rodeos with a commitment to raise funds for charitable organizations within our community. Over the years, NGRA has raised many thousands of dollars for local charities.
NGRA has produced twenty-four BigHorn Rodeos since 1996. Our rodeos include traditional events in rough stock (such as Bareback Bronc Riding and Bull Riding), speed, and roping categories, as well as camp (comical) events, entertainment, dancing, vendors, and other activities. The increased popularity of rodeos in the west and in the U.S. as a whole has helped make NGRA one of the fastest developing member associations within IGRA. BigHorn Rodeo is one of the largest rodeos on the gay rodeo circuit.
In many of the recent rodeo years, the Governor of Nevada, the Nevada Attorney General, and the Mayor of Las Vegas have formally recognized NGRA for its efforts. NGRA has also been honored to have noted contributors to Las Vegas serve as Grand Marshal for the annual event, including former Mayor Oscar Goodman, Clark County Commissioner Tom Collins, as well as national celebrity Judy Sheppard (Director of the Matthew Sheppard Foundation).
In addition to our annual BigHorn Rodeo, NGRA has produced several other national events including the IGRA Annual Convention in 2000, the International Country-Western Dance Championships in 2000, IGRA University from 2006 through 2017 & 2023 as well as World Gay Rodeo Finals in 2015 & 2016. NGRA’s other annual local events include our BigHorn Barrel Race, Royalty Pageant, Closet Ball, Cowboy Bingo, themed fundraising shows, raffles, auctions, special entertainment events, and support of the Annual Las Vegas Gay Pride festival.
There is much more than "sport" to rodeo and the Nevada Gay Rodeo Association. There is friendship and camaraderie, fundraising for worthy charities, and a chance to be a part of an organization committed to bringing the gay and lesbian community closer together.
NGRA was founded by a handful of country western fans in February of 1992. Since then, membership and recognition have grown quickly. This includes being fully sanctioned by the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA).