Long before the angst of Ennis and Jack burst onto the big screen, there have been plenty of stories of gay cowboys and cowgirls. From its humble roots in 1976 in Reno, Nev., “gay rodeo” has come a long way. This year, the San Diego Chapter of the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association is holding its annual rodeo at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds. Needless to say, Lakeside isn’t necessarily known for its presence of rainbow flags or Pride parades. This weekend, though, hundreds of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender cowboys and cowgirls will descend upon this conservative little town, where even Democrats might seem like Republicans in other parts of the state, and show that GLBT individuals are, well, everywhere.

Gay rodeo, and specifically the International Gay Rodeo Association, began back in 1975, when a man by the name of Phil Ragsdale, of Reno, decided to take his love of western lifestyle and his dedication to the Muscular Dystrophy Association and put on a gay rodeo.

Washoe County Fairgrounds had an opening on Oct. 2, 1976. Ragsdale, the Imperial Court Emperor I for Reno, procured the date and was poised to make history. Despite a reluctant group of local ranchers and farmers, Ragsdale was able to put the pieces in place for what would become, 30 years later, one of the largest GLBT sport circuits in the nation.

But the year was 1976. Five years prior, Richard John “Jack” Baker, a young law student at the time, and his partner, James Michael McConnell, argued there was no gender-specific language in the Minnesota statute, and therefore it was evident that the Legislature’s intent was to authorize marriage for same-sex couples. Further, the couple claimed that prohibiting them from marrying was a denial of their due process and equal protection rights under the Constitution. The couple decided they were going to file a joint tax return and demand marriage equality. The 1971 landmark Minnesota case known as Baker v. Nelson was the first same-sex marriage case in the United States. Unfortunately for Baker and McConnell, the court simply stated that they did “not find support for [these arguments] in any decision of the United States Supreme Court.”

The 1974 Washington case Singer v. Civil Service Commission is almost identical to that of Baker v. Nelson. Singer also attempted to have a marriage license granted to his partner, Paul Barwick, and himself. Like Minnesota, the marriage statutes in Washington did not specify gender issues. The Washington state Supreme Court found against Singer and Barwick. In fact, the court cited the case of Baker v. Nelson in its decision.

In 1975, two men from Phoenix, Ariz., were granted a marriage license by a county clerk. It was later revoked. Shortly thereafter, the county clerk of Boulder, Colo., Cela Rorex, issued Dave Zamora and Ave McCord a marriage license on the advice of Boulder’s district attorney. A monthlong rush on the clerk’s office by same-sex couples seeking marriage licenses ensued until the state attorney general voided the district attorney’s recommendation. These licenses, too, were revoked.

Ragsdale, never one to shy away from the public eye, founded the Comstock Gay Rodeo Association. The annual event became known as the National Reno Gay Rodeo. Over 125 people participated and the winners were crowned “King of the Cowboys,” “Queen of the Cowgirls” and “Miss Dusty Spurs” (the drag queen category). In 1977, Ragsdale added the country and western party element and an arena for GLBT western entertainment: clogging, square dancing and same-sex shadow dancing.

Ragsdale’s second rodeo raised $214 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. By 1980, that amount had grown to $40,000. In 1983, royalty was allowed to designate 50 percent of their contributions to a gay-related charity, while the other 50 percent remained with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This charitable element is one of the many elements that have remained at the core of gay rodeo.

The early 1980s brought a significant surge in participation with groups from Colorado, Texas and California sending large contingents of contestants both in the arena and for the royalty.

In 1982, Joan Rivers was the grand marshal and the grandstands were packed with over 10,000 spectators. Forty-three contestants competed in the event. By the time word reached nearby cities, an estimated 40,000 GLBT individuals came out for the celebrations.

Flash forward to today. Marriage equality has become a national debate. Every now and again, a brave county clerk – or mayor – will issue a marriage certificate to a same-sex couple. And Joan Rivers is still a grand dame of gay events.

By the early 1980s, the urban cowboy phenomenon had been catching on around the country. It was only a matter of time before a group of coastal cowboys and cowgirls found their way into the arena. Originally, a group calling itself the Pacific Coast Gay Rodeo Association provided contestants for the Reno and Denver rodeos. Then came Al Bell. Bell was from Long Beach and opened a bar called Floyd’s. Bell was a huge fan of the gay rodeo and invited gay rodeo enthusiasts from Texas and Colorado to see the “Floyd’s Cloggers.”

In 1984, the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association was formed. Nine annual rodeos had taken place in Reno, and, sadly, due to financial issues, they were not to see another one for some time. In Reno’s place, Texas hosted the event just a few miles outside of Houston. That same year, the Arizona Gay Rodeo Association formed in Phoenix.

In the spring of 1985, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank (still often used as the rodeo grounds for the Los Angeles chapter’s rodeo) welcomed the gay rodeo. By this time, rodeos were being held in Colorado, Texas, Nevada and California. It was only a matter of time before a more codified system would be developed.

The four sitting associations decided to hold a convention in Denver to standardize the rodeos. The Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association became the fifth association, and the International Gay Rodeo Association, as it stands today, was formed. Records indicate there were 14 gay rodeos (nine Reno rodeos, three Colorado rodeos, one Texas rodeo and one California rodeo) prior to the formation of IGRA.

Wayne Jakino was elected the founding president. Jakino, one of the key founders of the Colorado chapter and the true heart behind the cohesion of the associations, was inducted into the IGRA Hall of Fame in 2004. His presence remains on the circuit, and more than one cowboy or cowgirl has heard Jakino’s words, “And that’s gonna smart tomorrow,” from the announcer’s stand.

In 1986, the same year that the Kansas Gay Rodeo Association, the Missouri Gay Rodeo Association and the New Mexico Gay Rodeo Association were seated, California hosted the first IGRA Finals Rodeo in Hayward, awarding the coveted Event Championship buckles and the All-Around Cowboy and All-Around Cowgirl buckles.

Momentum was building, and by 1988, there were six divisional rodeos. Oregon and Wyoming were seated in IGRA as the 10th and 11th members, respectively.

In 1984, a dispute with Washoe County Fairgrounds and the Sands Hotel brought the Internal Revenue Service in and they seized the rodeo’s books. Not one to give up, Reno held firm for the second IGRA Finals Rodeo, which was scheduled at the Lawler Events Center in 1988. Unfortunately, the event never took place. A contract with a private ranch was voided when a local district attorney filed an injunction two days before the finals to stop the event. The case went to the Nevada Supreme Court, which failed to overturn the injunction.

In 1989, the fifth annual IGRA Convention inducted Montana’s Big Sky Gay Rodeo Association and the Utah Gay Rodeo Association. And, for the first time in its history, a female took the reigns as president of IGRA. Linn Copeland of the Kansas Gay Rodeo Association remained in that post for two years, helping foster some of the greatest growth the association has ever seen. The Northwest Gay Rodeo Association, representing Washington, Oregon and Idaho; the North Star Gay Rodeo Association, representing Minnesota and Wisconsin; the Tri-State Gay Rodeo Association, representing Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky; and the Diamond State Rodeo Association, representing Arkansas were all seated.

It would be another eight years before another woman would be elected president, this time Linda Frazier, also of the Kansas Gay Rodeo Association. Frazier served two years at the helm. No woman has held the post since, though Tamara Marks of the Heartland Gay Rodeo Association served as vice president from 2000 to 2003.

Today, there are 26 associations, many of which have several chapters, including the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association, which has four (Bay Area, Los Angeles, Palm Springs and San Diego).

This weekend, the San Diego Chapter of the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association returns after a year hiatus to host its event in Lakeside. In past years, the event has taken place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and the Ramona Rodeo Grounds. Like Ramona, many have said the rodeo can expect to find some resistance from the local community. The last time it was held in Ramona, protestors carrying signs that read “Fags burn in hell” and “God hates fags” lined the entrance.

However, like Ragsdale, the San Diego chapter is determined to stand its ground. In some ways, this weekend will be a reflection of gay rodeo’s early years: It takes place in a time when marriage equality is being discussed, it stands tall despite outside pressures and prior financial problems that led to the cancellation of last year’s event, and when all is said and done, Wayne Jakino will likely say more than once, “And that’s gonna smart tomorrow.”

The IGRA divides its events into four categories: speed, roping, rough stock and camp events. Here’s a breakdown of the events and their descriptions.

The ultimate event of the rodeo, bull riding is an advanced version of steer riding, but with a one-half ton more beef to contend with and the added danger that many bulls turn back on the rider and attempt to get even for having their routine disrupted. Guaranteed, once you are on the bull and the gate opens, few riders ever leave this event without being slammed to the ground and scurrying for cover, as the bull fighter moves in to save the cowboy or cowgirl.

A specially designed collection of leather and cinches used for this event is called a “bareback riggin’.” Compared to the bull rope, this one is really tied on to the animal and has a built-in handhold. Another difference is that the rider must start the ride with both of his or her feet extended forward over the horse’s shoulders, and on the first leap out of the chute “rake” backward toward the horse’s rump. If the rider is lucky enough to make the six seconds, he or she may be plucked to safety as the two “pick-up men” move in and attempt to rescue the rider from his or her bucking mount. Contestants may elect to ride two-handed from start to finish, but will also receive a lower score.

This is a good beginner’s event, but it’s not as easy as it looks. The rider has a “bull rope” wound around the steer just behind the front legs and then around his or her hand; no knots allowed. This handhold and the rider’s legs, locked like scissors on the steer, are all the rider has to count on to stay on top. A rider who is able to spur, or move their legs back and forth on the steer’s sides, will receive a higher score.

This event is designed to give even the novice a chance to compete in rough stock events. The steer and the contestant both start in the bucking chute and face a 60-second time limit. When the chute gate opens, the contestant must bring the steer out to a 10-foot line in front of the chute, and then attempt to wrestle or “dog” the steer to the ground. The contestant will turn the steer’s head up and toward the steer’s shoulder, hoping the steer will fall over on its other shoulder, causing all four feet to point in the same direction as the head was turned. If the steer is contrary and falls the other way, it is termed a “dog fall” and the contestant can either attempt to turn the head the same direction or let the steer up and start over. In this event, either the contestant “dogs” or gets “dogged.”

Gay rodeo presents three roping events with one designed for beginners. The other two can be costly because your success depends on a very good horse. Many roping horses sell for $10,000 and up. These events always begin with the contestant in a “roping box.” An imaginary start line runs across the front of the roping box and the chute where the calf or steer is held. Should the contestant cross this line, called the “barrier,” before the calf or steer clears the chute, a 10-second penalty shall be assessed and added on to the time.

This is the second step in a roper’s career. Most beginning ropers practice on fence posts or other stationary objects and then move into the arena with a live animal. The contestant stands in the roping box and when the calf is released, attempts to throw the loop over the calf’s head. Once the loop passes over the calf’s head, the contestant must pull up the slack in the rope.

The roper is mounted on horseback with one end of his or her rope tied to the saddle horn by a piece of string. When the calf is released from the chute, the roper will be in hot pursuit with lasso swirling above his or her head. When the loop is thrown, it must pass completely over the calf’s head. As the calf pulls away from the rider and horse, the rope grows taut and will break away from the saddle horn.

Hours of hard work go into training for this event. This event is loaded with hazards, such as collisions, entanglements and, worst of all, possible loss of fingers. The team consists of two ropers and two well-trained horses. One roper is called the “header,” and his or her responsibility is to catch the steer by the horns while the teammate, called the “heeler,” has the responsibility of catching the steer’s back legs or heels. When the header makes the catch, he or she must wind the rope around the saddle horn, called “dallying off.” Turning the steer away from himself causes the steer’s heels to fly in the air for the heeler’s loop to catch. When both ropers have been successful in their tasks, they must turn their horses to face the steer and pull their ropes taut.

Speed and agility are two highly-prized qualities in these contestant’s horses. These three speed events pit the horse, under the skillful hand of its rider, against the clock. Negotiating the prescribed pattern is a test of the rider’s skill and the horse’s speed and agility. A running start is permitted in these events and the fastest time wins.

Contestants vie for the fastest time in running a triangular, cloverleaf pattern around three barrels. The horse and rider are allowed a running start and time begins and ends upon crossing a visible starting line. A five-second penalty is assessed for knocking over a barrel. The pattern can be started either from the left or right, and contestants that go off the prescribed course are disqualified.

In this event, horse and rider compete for the fastest time working a linear pattern through six equally spaced poles. The poles must be at least 5 feet in height and spaced 21 feet apart. A running start is allowed and a five-second penalty will be assessed for knocking a pole down, and disqualification will take place if the team goes off course.

A triangular pattern similar to that of the barrel race is used, with the substitution of a pole in place of barrel number three. The two other barrels will have a bucket that is three-fourths full of rabbit pellets placed on top of it, and a flag in one of these buckets. The rider may choose to run to the right or left, and as they pass the first barrel, they pick up the flag, race past the pole, back to the second barrel, and attempt to place the flag in the second bucket. If the rider knocks over the first bucket or the pole, a five-second penalty will be assessed. If the rider does not pick up the flag or misses the second bucket, no time will be given. If the second bucket or barrel is knocked over, the rider is disqualified. Looks easy, but try this at 30-plus miles per hour!

Whenever a group of cowhands gets together for a good time, hell is going to be raised! Cowhands generally have their own definition of fun and challenge. After a few beers and some serious ego pumping, it is amazing what a group of hands can come up with! Prerequisites for participation are a willingness to eat dirt and the ability to hold your own with an ornery steer or goat. Sixty percent of gay contestants get their start in these three events, and the old-timers stay in because the payoffs (or winnings) are the best of all the events.

This event requires a two-person team. One member stands 10 feet from the chute gate holding the end of a 25 foot rope, which is looped around the steer’s horns. The other team member stands 40 feet from the chute and has a 24-inch-long ribbon. When the chute gate opens, the team must bring the steer out and across the 10-foot line. One team member tries to tie the ribbon on the steer’s tail while the other team member tries to remove the rope from the steer’s horns. When the ribbon is on the tail and the loop is off the horns, the ribbon-tier must tag the timer.

The Wild Drag Race is an audience favorite all across the IGRA rodeo circuit. Even though the competition is serious and the payoff is sizable, a large number of competitors also believe this to be a very entertaining event for the audience. The drag costumes come from second-hand stores and many from raiding mom’s closet. A team is made up of one male, one female, one drag (either male or female) and one wild steer. The steer, with a halter and a 25-foot lead rope, is in a bucking chute at the beginning of the event. The cowgirl holds the rope and the cowboy and drag stand 40 feet from the chute. When the chute gate opens, the team tries to direct (or harass) the steer toward the finish line, which is 70 feet from the chute. They must get the steer across the finish line, mount the drag and then ride back across the finish line. The drag must be mounted on the steer before the steer starts back across the finish line, and must stay on the steer until all four feet of the steer have crossed the finish line. Sounds easy, but the drag may get bucked off several times before the event is ever completed!

This two-person event was created specially for gay rodeo. The team stands 50 feet from the point where the goat is tethered. One of the team members has a pair of jockey-style underwear worn over their forearms. When the whistle sounds, the team runs to the goat. The team member without the underwear picks up the goat’s rear hooves, grabs the underwear from around the other member’s arms, and pulls it up the legs of the goat. Both team members must then race back to the start/finish line and cross the finish line to stop the time. The underwear must stay over the goat’s tail bone until the timer is tagged by both members.