The Florida Gay Rodeo Association has been a trailblazer in LGBTQI+ rodeo culture for two decades — and our best chapter is just beginning.

FGRA was officially incorporated in Florida on May 20, 2005, becoming the 23rd member of the International Gay Rodeo Association. The response was immediate and electric: by September of that year, membership had already topped 100 people.

In April 2006, we made history. Over a landmark weekend at Bergeron Arena in Davie, Florida, 110 competitors and almost 4,000 spectators from across the United States and Canada came together for our inaugural Sunshine Stampede. Despite protesters outside the arena, it was proof that Florida was ready for gay rodeo, and gay rodeo was ready for Florida.

The years that followed brought continued growth and community. By 2009, FGRA had surpassed 400 members, launched a beloved Royalty Program, and even sponsored a Country Western Cruise. When the Georgia Gay Rodeo Association dissolved that same year, FGRA opened its arms, welcoming all former GGRA members so no competitor would be left without a home. We ran seven successful Sunshine Stampede rodeos from 2006 to 2012 before pausing to focus on strengthening our foundation.

In 2014, we expanded our mission, broadening our reach to serve both Florida and Georgia. But sustaining a two-state organization took its toll, and on September 16, 2017, the membership voted to close the chapter.

But you can’t keep Florida rodeo down for long. On August 1, 2024, the Florida Gay Rodeo Association rode back into the arena — reborn, reimagined, and more committed than ever. In less than two years, we’ve grown to 70+ members, hosted unforgettable events, supported charitable organizations, and renewed our proud dedication to the LGBTQI+ community.

The legacy is real. The momentum is undeniable. And we’re just getting started.