Attendance at IGRA rodeos across the country has declined as the younger generation gravitates to the more party atmosphere of the Pride Festivals and Gay Days events.

There is less need today for a relief from the 'otherness' that gay rodeos provided so many of us in the earlier times of gay rodeo. It is less a compelling need in this day of gay characters on TV, openly gay and lesbians person serving in the military and the President endorsing gay marriage.

Despite this, there are charitable causes to rally behind and there will always be those who do gay rodeo for the joy of western sport and the friendship and camaraderie experienced on the circuit. I AM PROUD TO BE ONE OF THOSE.