ART HAUS

Gay Cowboys Lasso An Often-Ignored Part Of The American West

Bareback_Broc_Riding_Scott_Terry_SD,CA.1992

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis recently opened an exhibition of 41 evocative photographs Blake Little captured in the gay rodeo scene. Blake Little: Photographs from the Gay Rodeo chronicles the story of an often-ignored part of American Western culture. Little became captivated by the gay rodeo scene in the late ’80s and began to document the lives of its contenders, victors and devoted fans. He learned to ride a steer, then a bull and became the Bull Riding Champion of the Year at the International Gay Rodeo Association in 1990. The opening marks the first time this exhibition has been on display.

Blake Little: Photographs from the Gay Rodeo is on display at The Eiteljorg through July 13.

Images courtesy of Blake Little

Gordon_Fiedor_LosAngeles,CA1989

Gordon Fiedor, Los Angeles, California, 1989

Jerry_Hubbard_Burbank,CA1989

Jerry Hubbard, Burbank, California, 1989

Rodeo_Partners_Gene_Hubert_Rick_Ferreira-SunValley,CA1991

Rodeo Partners Gene Hubert and Rick Ferreira, Sun Valley, California, 1991

Brian_Cornell_Alberto_Rulloda_HaywardCA1989

Brian Cornell and Alberto Rulloda, Hayward, California, 1989

Roping_Practice_Scott_Terry_PhoenixAZ1989

Roping Practice, Scott Terry, Phoenix, Arizona, 1989

Steer_Riding_Blake_Little1989PhoenixAZ

Steer Riding, Blake Little, Phoenix, Arizona, 1989

Bull_Riders_LA_CA1989

Bull Riders, Los Angeles, California, 1989

The_Prayer,Rick_Simmons_SanDiego1991

The Prayer, Rick Simmons, San Diego, California, 1991

Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated