Promoting the sport of Rodeo to the LGBTQIA+ Commununity
Meet the folks who are ready to share their love of music and dance with you.
A big thank you to Parkwood Therapeutic Riding Center (https://www.parkwoodtrc.org/) for being our host location for our 2025 rodeo school this past August 16 & 17. We appreciate their hopsitality; the work and attention of their staff; and the use of their facilities and horses. Parkwoods graciousness was a great help as we taught skills in calf roping, goat dressing, flag racing, barrel racing, pole bending, steet decorating and chute doggin' to our 17 registrants.
June 4, 5 & 6 • The Historic North Hall @ Eastern Market • Washington DC
About us
Cowpokes and other folks!
The Atlantic States Gay Rodeo Association (ASGRA) is a 501(c)4, charitable and social organization whose primary purpose is to promote the sport of rodeo and foster country and western lifestyles in the gay and lesbian community. ASGRA members enjoy the fellowship of numerous social, recreational and educational activities.
Since the founding of ASGRA in 1991, our Association has provided a space for LGBTQIA+ cowpokes, allies and fans. ASGRA has held training for horsemanship and horse speed events, calf roping, rough stock and camp events, country western dance instruction and competition.
ASGRA's social events include barbecues, horseback riding, dance events and group outings to rodeos, county fairs and concerts.
ASGRA's Mark Smith brings home the IGRA Mx. Royalty Title
ASGRA's Mark Smith, aka Daddy Duchess, has won the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) Royalty Title of Mx. for 2026. Mark competed in the IGRA Royalty competition at World Gay Rodeo Finals in Reno, Nevada. The Finals kicks off the 50 year anniversary of gay rodeo events.
The title of Mx. is a recent addition to the gay rodeo royalty. Mr., Ms., Miss and MsTer are the other four. Gay rodeo royalty is one of the ways gay rodeo associations promote the sport of rodeo. Royalty serve as representatives of their association in their respective titles as well as raising funds through various events for charity and gay rodeo.
Mark is ASGRA's Mx. title holder for 2025, and ASGRA is very proud that Mark is now a part of the International Gay Rodeo Royalty Team.
See photos and video on our Facebook page.
From L - R, Mr. IGRA 1st Runner Up 2025, Jay R. Gayheart; Mx. IGRA 2026, Daddy Duchess; ASGRA member Duke; Ms. IGRA 1st Runner Up 2025, Jen Vrana
Upcoming Events
Below will find a listing of ASGRA events on the right, and the International Gay Rodeo Association on the left.
IGRA Rodeos 2025
Thursday, November 13 - Sunday, November 16
International Gay Rodeo Association Convention - Denver, CO
Visit https://www.igraconvention.com/ for more information.
ASGRA Events
Thursday, December 4 at 7:30 PM
• ASGRA November Board Meeting via Zoom
Sunday, December 7 at 10:00 AM
• Monthly Horseback Ride - Piscataway Stables, Clinton, Maryland (see map)
An hour-long ride through the woods, fields and streams of Piscataway's 256 acre horse farm. Experienced and novice riders are welcome. All horse, tack and some basic instruction are provided. $40 for ASGRA members/$45 for non-members.
Sunday, December 7 at 12:30 PM
• BBQ Lunch Meet Up - Texas Ribs and BBQ, Clinton, Maryland (see map). Meet us for our monthly lunch at one of our favorite barbeque places in Clinton.
Gay Rodeo History
In its third year, the Reno Gay Rodeo, sponsored by the Comstock Gay Rodeo Association and the Silver Dollar Court, proved to be as much an excuse to get together for heavy-duty socializing and a little bull-throwing as it did for that dust-eating, gut-wrenching, butt-busting series of events common to this great Western tradition.
Gay contestants from California, Nevada and Arizona, vying for the $100 cash prize and "All Around Cowboy and Cowgirl" cups plus assorted buckles and other awards, participated in bull riding, saddle and bareback bronc riding, calf roping (on foot and mounted), barrel racing and team roping. A greased-pig catch, a non-traditional wild cow milk (featuring an amusing menage au lait comprising a lesbian, a drag queen and a gay man intent on getting a few drops of milk from a most uncooperative group of cows) and banter of clowns added to the fun and excitement of the two-day event.
Read the full article
See more gay rodeo history
Contact Us Today
For inquiries about Atlantic Stampede.
Email us
info.asgra@gmail.com
