Boots, Chaps, and Cowboy Hats: The History of Gay Rodeo

Dr. Nick Villanueva, Jr., Ph.D. will present a talk exploring the origins of gay rodeo and its evolution into today's International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA). He will examine the social, cultural, and political forces that have shaped IGRA, as well as discuss its future. Following the presentation, copies of his book, Rainbow Cattle Co: Liberation, Inclusion, and the History of Gay Rodeo, will be available for purchase and signing. 

Participant Bios: 

Nicholas Villanueva is an Associate Professor and NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative at the University of Colorado. He recently published, Rainbow Cattle Co.: Liberation, Inclusion, and the History of Gay Rodeo, which was a finalist for the 2025 Colorado History Book of the Year by the Colorado Humanities Center. His awards include the Disability Services Faculty of the Year Award, President’s Fund for the Humanities, and North American Society for Sports History Diversity Award. Villanueva honorably served for eight years in the US Army and received the National Defense Service Medal. Nick loves to call Colorado his home. 

Boots, Chaps, and Cowboy Hats: The History of Gay Rodeo is organized by Roger Bergmann as part of the 2026 Circa: Queer Histories Festival, presented by One Institute.