ABOUT
The Nevada Gay Rodeo Association (NGRA) is an affiliate of the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA), which comprises 17 member associations across the U.S. and Canada. These associations host around 15 sanctioned rodeos annually, including the International Finals. NGRA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization run entirely by volunteers. It is dedicated to preserving the western lifestyle and producing gay rodeos while raising funds for charitable organizations within the community. Over the years, NGRA has raised substantial funds for local charities.
Since 1996, NGRA has produced twenty-five BigHorn Rodeos. These events feature traditional rodeo competitions in rough stock (like Bareback Bronc Riding and Bull Riding), speed, and roping categories, alongside camp (comical) events, entertainment, dancing, vendors, and other activities. The growing popularity of rodeos in the western U.S. and nationwide has helped NGRA become one of the fastest-growing member associations within IGRA. The BigHorn Rodeo is one of the largest events on the gay rodeo circuit.
In recent years, NGRA’s efforts have been formally recognized by the Governor of Nevada, the Nevada Attorney General, and the Mayor of Las Vegas. Notable Las Vegas figures, such as former Mayor Oscar Goodman, Clark County Commissioner Tom Collins, and national celebrity Judy Shepard (Director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation), have served as Grand Marshals for the annual event.
Beyond the BigHorn Rodeo, NGRA has hosted several other national events, including the IGRA Annual Convention and the International Country-Western Dance Championships in 2000, IGRA University from 2006 through 2017 and again in 2023, and the World Gay Rodeo Finals in 2015 and 2016. NGRA also organizes annual local events such as the BigHorn Barrel Race, Royalty Pageant, Closet Ball, Cowboy Bingo, themed fundraising shows, raffles, auctions, special entertainment events, and supports the Annual Las Vegas Gay Pride festival.
Rodeo with the Nevada Gay Rodeo Association is about more than just sport; it’s about friendship, camaraderie, and fundraising for worthy causes, all while fostering unity within the gay and lesbian community.
Founded by a small group of country-western fans in February 1992, NGRA has seen rapid growth in both membership and recognition, culminating in full sanctioning by the International Gay Rodeo Association.