Heroes

The American West has been the home of many countercultures. Gay rodeo is one of them. Still marginal and little known even among the gay community it contradicts the prevailing idea of the cowboy, which does not include different roles or sexual identities. It was born out of discrimination in the 1980's but become a chosen family for many who do not feel at home in regular rodeos and whose families still do not accept their sexual identities. The carnevalistic drag culture is essential part of the gay rodeo and everyone is allowed to take part in any sport regardless their gender. I have been going to the Gay Rodeo Association's rodeos, following certain contestants and exploring what is happening around the edges and behind the chutes since 2011. The project is still ongoing.