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City Boy Goes to the Rodeo
Story and photos Each year I say I’m going to check out Chicago’s gay rodeo and each year something comes up. I finally got it together in late August and made the trip out to Crete, Ill., for the 2002 Windy City Rodeo. In addition to catching some rays, getting some fresh country air, and meeting all sorts of new people, I got to learn about a group of tough athletes doing what they love. Sure, there was the anticipated novelty of exploring another culture, but I think I was most surprised by the number of similarities between the rodeo and tournaments for the sports I’ve grown up with. There is an obvious camaraderie between the competitors and at the same time everyone seems tickled that other people are interested enough to watch. Participants and fans alike held a respect for the ceremony of the rodeo, from the opening featuring the poignant presentation of the riderless horse and multiple national anthems, to the awarding of the coveted buckles. From the first successfully roped calf and the gutsiest ride on a bucking steer to the final goat-dressing entrant, there is an audible energy willing everyone to do their best. Between events, the main tent is a buzz of old and new friends catching up, eating food and two-steppin’. And yet, this is a
group of athletes who have honed their skills and traveled here to be
the best, win some cash, own bragging rights and accrue points toward
their annual championships. The events vary in the degree of risk, but
you can’t miss that some of what they are doing is dangerous. It’s
impressive. If you haven’t seen what these cowboys and cowgirls can
do, find an event near you and check them out.
Aug. 31, 2002 |
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