Brian Helander and Roger Bergmann on Reno's Gay Rodeo

50 years ago, Reno hosted the first gay rodeo, an opportunity for LGBTQ participants and fans to enjoy the rodeo in a more inclusive and accepting environment. Since then, the International Gay Rodeo Association has helped put on gay rodeo events across the county. Reno hasn't hosted the event for almost 2 decades but this coming weekend, October 9-12, the rodeo will return to the Livestock Events Center for the 50th year since the event's founding.

On this episode, I spoke with Brian Helander and Roger Bergmann, the current and former presidents of the IGRA respectively, about the history of the organization and the gay rodeo, what attendees can expect that's different from the "regular" rodeo, special events unique to the gay rodeo, creating a more inclusive rodeo culture, how gay rodeos connect with other gay sports organizations, the challenging history of the event (in the 1980s the rodeo was cancelled in Fallon with the sheriffs department blocking the entrance with shotgun in hand), sexy gay cowboys, dances and other events taking place through the weekend, and much more!

You can get tickets AT THE DOOR so just head on down to the Silver Legacy any night around 6:30 for the evening events, or the Livestock Events center starting at 10am on Saturday or Sunday. Learn more about the event at http://www.igra.com

Thanks for listening and sharing!