Rainbow Rodeo
The Crossroads of the West Rodeo, presented by Utah Gay Rodeo, is back in Ogden during Pride Month.
NEWS
Photos from the Crossroads of the West Rodeo in 2025 (left to right): Roan Nickels, from San Angelo, Texas, rides in the Ranch Bronc competition; A male barrel racer competes; Rodeo clown looking up at spectators in the stands at the Golden Spike arena. | Deann Armes
When the gate swings open at the gay rodeo, more than competition rushes out the bucking chute. It’s a ride that stands for opportunity, belonging, and the freedom to do what you love. The annual Utah Gay Rodeo Association (UGRA)’s Crossroads of the West Regional Rodeo in Ogden returns June 26-28.
Unlike traditional rodeo, gender holds no authority in this arena: Men barrel race. Women ride ranch broncs and bulls. “In the gay rodeo, we do it side by side,” said UGRA President Steve Housley. Popular events like Goat Dressing and Wild Drag bring humor and a chance for everyone — gay or straight — to join in. It’s also family-friendly with age-appropriate events for children like Mutton Busting.
“You don’t have to own a horse or even a pair of boots to compete with us,” Housley said. “We want to welcome everybody.”
What matters here isn’t what happens on the scoreboard. It’s about fun and a community that takes care of each other, which keeps people coming back every year. “The gay rodeo feels like you’re one big giant family. Everybody’s included,” Housley said.
That intimacy transforms the arena into something sacred — this year, quite literally. A real wedding takes place Saturday night under the rodeo lights.
Housley and his fiance will say “I do” in the same place they were engaged during Goat Dressing last year, as their rodeo family will already be there. One special guest is coming from New Mexico — Mama Sherman. They met two years ago when he was at a rodeo in Santa Fe, and she said to him, “Young man, if you do not sit up and quit arching your back around that barrel, you better go put that horse away.” She’s been a best friend and “another mother” ever since.
A new Rodeo School will start this year steered by rodeo director Kirk Critchlow-Speth. Friday, June 26, all skill levels 21 and older are welcome for just $20 and registration is available on-site. Whether you’re returning to the arena or making your rodeo debut, they’ll provide everything you need.
The first gay rodeo was held in 1976 in Reno, Nevada, now the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA), a 501(c)(3) which raises and donates to local LGBTQ+ communities. The UGRA (part of the IGRA) started in 1979 and held its first rodeo at the Golden Spike in June 2000. The organization dissolved in 2006 but reformed in 2016, bringing the rodeo back in 2023 after 19 years.
The Crossroads of the West Regional Rodeo is Friday through Sunday, June 26-28, at the Weber County Fairgrounds, Golden Spike Arena, 1000 N. 1200 W. in Ogden, Utah. Information and tickets are available at utahgayrodeo.com.