Riding gay

We’ll have a casual lunch together before beginning a 1.5-hour scenic drive to the ski resort town of Red Lodge.

Our destination is the Lazy E-L Ranch, at the foot of the Beartooth Mountains. The idea of the frontier and its history has been so rewritten and so whitewashed. The rodeo organizers themselves have also received some difficult pushback in the areas where they throw these events.

What did you discover about the events that led to these groups forming?
There was a pretty established history of homosexuality in the Old West. The ranch is home to deer, elk, coyotes, bears, eagles, and sometimes wolves from neighboring Yellowstone National Park. It quickly became clear that this was a topic that would keep me busy.

From what I’ve read, the first gay rodeo was held in Reno, Nevada on October 2, 1976.

Riders MC is a group of gay and bisexual men who enjoy motorcycle riding. We’ll gather tonight for a welcome dinner, and perhaps head over to The Loft, a rollicking gay bar you never expected to find in Montana!
Those arriving earlier may enjoy visiting the Bighorn Battlefield, the site of Custer’s Last Stand.

Depending on the weather, the riding terrain varies. Afterward, we’ll head into the mountain ski town of Red Lodge where you’ll have time to stroll along the historic main street and stop in shops, museums, art galleries, and saloons. The Beartooth Highway has been named one of the most beautiful byways in America. They haven’t had enough funding and support.

Unlike a dude ranch, riding on trails is not standard at the Lazy EL Ranch. The ranch limits the number of guests to 12, and room and cabin preference is given to those who book first. If you’re looking for the recreational enjoyment of riding with other gay and bisexual men and their friends, we’re the group for you.
The club is informal, and rides are planned by club members.

(Form updated April 2024)

I got the impression that gay rodeo events began out of this desperate need within the community to say: We are gay but we’re not necessarily this Hollywood identity of gay—we’re cowboys, ranch hands, and lumbermen.

It was the opposite of the classic tale of someone being gay, living in a rural area, and feeling like they needed to escape to the big city.

Before dinner, we’ll kick back with a cocktail before having dinner at the ranch cookhouse or historic dining room.

Days 3-6: Saddle Up, Raft, Hike, and Visit a Historic Western Town

Each morning, we’ll have a different horseback ride. It’s sad, because you’d think things like this would get better with time and there would be more acceptance, but it seems to be going in the opposite direction.

Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
In basic terms, I think there’s a huge difference between the idea of the American West and the reality of the American West.

Throughout the week, keep your eyes open for wildlife. For those who are new to riding, basic instruction is provided before we head out over the hills and through the open pastures. There will be locals telling other locals that if you’re a part of the gay rodeo, then there’s gonna be a problem. Bed configurations vary, contact us for details.

From the lodge porch, you’ll have unobstructed views of the Beartooth Mountains which rise to over 12,500 feet.

And eventually the International Gay Rodeo Association was founded in 1985. And all around the world there are many traditional rodeos specific to each culture. So that always drew me to rodeo and then Southern culture.