IGRA
The International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) was founded in 1985 from several regional associations with roots dating back to 1976.
Gay rodeos played an important role in the history and formation of the IAGSDC. Gay rodeos in Reno, NV and Denver, CO provided a meeting place for the first gay square dance clubs to meet, dance, and share ideas. The 1983 Reno rodeo is where the idea for the National Gay/Lesbian Square Dance Association (which became the IAGSDC) was born.
The 1982, 1983, and 1984 Denver and Reno rodeos are mentioned as key events in Ten Years IAGSDC: A Collection of Pages From Our Memory Book, and there was planning between gay rodeo organizers and square dancers to provide dancing at those events.
In addition, many gay rodeos provided venues for the various square dance exhibition teams to perform.
While the connections between LGBTQ square dancing and GLBTQ rodeos have diminished over time, gay rodeos played an important part in IAGSDC history.
Mission Statement
Supporting Rodeo Associations that Support their Communities
IGRA achieves this mission by:
- Providing associations with the tools to produce quality events.
- Promoting, in a positive way, the LGBTQ country western lifestyle.
- Supporting amateur sportsmanship through participation, competition and recognition
