The state of Colorado and its inhabitants played a major role in the writing of Western History. Individuals of dedication, fortitude, and vision explored and settled untamed regions of the west. Their ideals of strength, self-reliance, and inner pride live on today embodied in what is known as the Westem image.

It was with reflection on this past, indentification with this image, and a commitment to a positive future that a group of gay men and women formed the Colorado Gay Rodeo Association in September of 1981.

Not an activist or separatist group, the Association is dedicated to the posittve interaction of people in the true spirit of the West. Since its inception, C.G.R.A. has created and maintained activities which draw people together with a sense of Westem Hospitality. Currently, association members compose the first gay mounted drill team, a talented exhibition square dance team, and an outstanding group of country-cloggers. C.G.R.A. members have also been consistent contestants at the National Gay Rodeo in Reno, competing with pride in the representation of their state.

All stops were pulled out as C.G.R.A. hosted the 1st Annual Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo in June of 1983. People were welcomed from all over the United States and Canada to a weekend of country fun in the Mile High City.

It is with pride that the C.G.R.A. stages its 3rd Annual Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo, May 31st, June 1st and 2nd, 1985. This year with even greater pride R.M.R. Rodeo becomes a part of 1985's - "9 Days of a Mile High High" which features a first for Denver- an Entertainment Festival with over eight hours of live performances and the 2nd Annual International Gay Square Dance Convention "Promenade Along The Rockies."

The Association and its members will continue to strive to create a positive image of gay men and women in the light of Western spirit. Our members have worked hand in hand with other states to form similar Associations. We welcomed the great state of Texas in 1983 with The Texas Gay Rodeo Association (T.G.R.A.) and actively took part in their 1st rodeo in November, 1984. Our members traveled to and supported the formation of The Golden State Gay Rodeo Association (G.S.G.R.A.) in California in early 1984 and took part in their 1st rodeo at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in March, 1985. Transplanted C.G.R.A. members actively took part in forming the newest association in early 1985, The Arizona Gay Rodeo Association (A.G.R.A.) and look forward to their 1st rodeo in January, 1986.

Our Association is proud to now be a part of the newly organized International Gay Rodeo Association, which was formed to provide a standard for rules, points, and organization of a rodeo. I.G.R.A. now sanctions each of the rodeos on our circuit. We are grateful to I.G.R.A.'s first Board of Trustees and Officers for their strong dedication and interest in Gay Rodeo!

All inquiries are welcomed from all parts of the country from groups or individuals wishing assistance in the formation of similar groups.

We're Colorado, We're Country, and We're Proud!!!

1. 1. We are, according to the by-laws, first and foremost a group of individuals interested in Western related events.
2. 2. C.G.R.A. is a non-profit, tax exempt (filed and pending), organization.
3. 3. This association was formed because of our pride in Colorado and to represent our fine state in regional and national rodeos and/or other western related events.
4. 4. C.G.R.A. was established as a base organization where members can collectively communicate and work with each other to further their similar interests.
5. 5. The association is a charitable, non-political organization that was formed to support a segment of the community interested in the Western lifestyle, support that previously was not available in the Denver gay community.
6. 6. We are an independent organization that, while offering support to other gay groups and organizations, is not affiliated with, nor does it have any vested interest in, any other group or establishment. Likewise, C.G.R.A. will not dictate our policy to any other organization or establishment.
7. 7. As stated in Article II, Section 4 of our by-laws, this organization is established for the entire community, barring all prejudices, recognizing the difference in the needs of the women and men, yet working always for the betterment of the community as a whole.
8. 8. The founding members based the ideals of the organization on the WESTERN image of strength, endurance and self-reliance.