Promoting the sport of Rodeo to the LGBTQIA+ Commununity
Royalty Candidates
Meet the folks who are ready to share their love of music and dance with you.
ASGRA wishes to express our thanks to Giddy Up Philly and Voyeur Nightclub for making our 2026 Royalty Competition terrific. The venue was excellent. The stage allowed the crowd to see the competitors clearly, and the dancing kept folks entertained in between competition categories. Thank you so much Voyeur and Giddy Up Philly.
A big thank you to Voyeur Nightclub and Giddy Up Philly
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.
Help ASGRA Research Venues for an East Coast Rodeo
Interested in helping ASGRA develop an East Coast gay rodeo? Join our Rodeo Events and Training Zoom meeting on Wednesday, July 15 at 7 PM. Jay R Gayheart, Rodeo Events and Training Chairperson, is looking for folks to join the committee to seek out and explore locations and options for an ASGRA rodeo.
We are need of folks to research potential venues, stock contractors, vendors and food and beverage options. If you are interested, join the Zoom meeting.
If you have questions, contact Jay R Gayheart at john.roman.jb@gmail.com
ASGRA Membership Chair to be Inducted into the IGRA Hall of Fame
Jen Vrana, ASGRA’s membership chair and Ms. ASGRA 2024, will be inducted into the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) Hall of Fame this fall at IGRA’s annual convention. The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have provided for the development and growth of gay rodeo; have accrued an outstanding record; or achieved a prominent position in the sport.
Jen Vrana has been a member of ASGRA for over 30 years. She has been a competitor, Royalty title holder, volunteer and a driving force behind our rodeo school. Jen has spent a significant amount of her time promoting the sport of rodeo by helping those who are new to competition get involved with training, safety and volunteering. Anytime anybody has asked the question ‘how do I get involved?’, Jen has been there to give a welcome and guidance.
Introduction of the 2026 IGRA Hall of Fame selectees will take place at a Hall of Fame Gala Reception on Saturday evening, November 14, followed by the induction ceremony to be held Sunday, November 15 during the IGRA Convention in Phoenix, AZ.
Other ASGRA members inducted into the IGRA Hall of Fame include ASGRA Treasurer and Trustee, Mike Lentz; ASGRA member Frank Harrell.
Upcoming Events
Below will find a listing of ASGRA events on the right, and the International Gay Rodeo Association on the left.
IGRA Events
Friday, July 10 - Sunday, July 12
Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo - Denver, CO
It is a Rocky Mountain High Good Time at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. July 10 will feature a Junior horse event rodeo for two age divisions. The main competition will start on Saturday morning. Visit https://www.cgrarodeo.com/ for more information.
Friday, July 24 - Sunday, July 26
Northstar Regional Rodeo - Hugo, MN
The Friday of this rodeo weekend kicks over with river tubing at Welch Mill Tubing. Rodeo competition will start on Saturday at the Dead Broke Arena.
Visit https://nsgra.org/rodeo26/ for more information.
Friday, August 7 - Sunday, August 10
Great Plains Rodeo - El Reno, OK
Grit meets Glitter at the Great Plains Rodeo Association's 2026 Rodeo. Come on out to the Canadian County Expo Center for a weekend of rodeo competition, Royalty entertainment and a Texas Tea Dance. Visit https://www.greatplainsrodeo.org/ for more information.
ASGRA Events
Wednesday, July 15 at 7:00 PM
• ASGRA Rodeo Events and Training Meeting via Zoom. The ASGRA Rodeo Events and Training committee is looking for looking for folks to research potential venues, stock contractors, vendors and food and beverage options. If you are interested in in joining the Zoom meeting, please contact the committe chair, Jay R Gayheart at john.roman.jb@gmail.com
Thursday, August 6 at 7:30 PM
• ASGRA April Board Meeting via Zoom
Sunday, August 2 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, August 2 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
