Has anyone ever been to gay rodeo? We're going in August to celebrate my

[Rowdyboy]

partner's retirement from teaching high school. He's a real animal lover and is a little concerned that he might have problems with the treatment of the animals. I assured him that, since its a gay rodeo, its likely more sensitivity will be shown to the treatment of the animals.

Regardless, gay cowboys makes it all worthwhile to me. Shades of "Brokeback"

Am I right?

[MuseRider]

1. Have fun!

We have them around here but I have never been.

[Rowdyboy]

2. Thanks! Its also an excuse to finally visit San Antonio......

which is really going to be the best part.

[MuseRider]

3. Fun city!

I have not been there for years but I loved it. Report back please. We just had a write up several months ago in a local GLBT newspaper about a lesbian who apparently started the gay rodeo, at least here. If I can find it I will send you the link, it might be interesting before you go.

[MuseRider]

4. Here it is.

She was actually the co founder of the Kansas Gay Rodeo Association so not such a big deal for anyone outside of Kansas but still it is a nice story so if you are interested the link is here http://www.libertypress.net/2005-Archives/2005-12.php.

Have fun and Yipee Ki Yi Yo Little Cowboy!

[Rowdyboy]

5. What a delightful woman!

Just in case anyone wants a glimpse of her....

"Although best known as the owner of Our Fantasy, which she operated for 24 years, Copeland was many things to many people. She was a co-founder of the Kansas Gay Rodeo Association (KGRA); she was a sister, an artist, she started one of Wichita’s first female-owned home construction companies – Linn Homes, Inc.; she was a friend, an aunt and a born leader.

Georgia Schell knew Copeland for years and was one of the many who called her friend. "What I will remember most, I think, is her vision, her ability to make things happen and her inspiring capacity for dreams," Schell said. "Whether it was creating the Fantasy, building houses or sculpting she always had a dream and a vision about what could be."

According to Kelley Hoffman, Copeland was looking for an outdoor space for recreational activities specifically for the gay and lesbian community when she happened upon the land and small beer bar called Studio 19 that lay just south of town. She wasn’t so much interested in the building as she was the land behind it, Hoffman said. The bar just came with it.

In January 1981, she opened the bar and named it "Our" Fantasy for her and her partner. She set to work fixing up the outdoors while inside, the bar took off. In May 1981 the club turned private and went from a beer bar to an official nightclub."

What a wonderful life!

[MuseRider]

6. I wish I had known her.

I thought it was a lovely tribute, not quite what I thought it was but still good to read anyway.