The International Gay Rodeo Association is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization comprised of (16) Regional Gay Rodeo Associations from across the United States and Canada. Gay Rodeo had its beginnings in 1976 in Reno Nevada. Over the next few years local rodeo associations were formed in several states. In 1985, those Gay Rodeo Associations founded the International Gay Rodeo Association Through a Convention of its Member Associations. We have evolved a code of fellowship and sportsmanship including the provision of standardized rules and resources to produce IGRA-sanctioned Rodeo and Royalty events that are hosted by local associations and culminate in the top contestants competing for the title of Champion at World Gay Rodeo Finals. We host the annual IGRA University.