Happy New Year!

Well can you believe it the New Year is here!  As of January 1, 2010 I will assume the role asPresident of the Illinois Gay Rodeo Association (I’m excited).   Just a quick note to introduce myself andgive you a little tease of what’s in store for this coming new Rodeo year. 

Thank you to last year’s board Chris, Debbie, Ed and all who helped make 2009 another successful Rodeo year, where once again we were able to give money to our Charity partners Howard Brown and Vital Bridges. 

I have been involved in Gay Rodeo for the past 15years.  I have been a part of the startand organization of many Gay Rodeo Associations across the country.  I moved to Chicago and joined ILGRA 5 years ago; although I attended the Windy City Rodeo several times before moving here.  I have held several offices including the International Gay Rodeo Association Spokesperson, Media relations Chairman and a Trustee to the Board of Directors of I.G.R.A. I have competed in IGRA Rodeo’s for the past 14 years. In 2008 I was selected as Mr.Illinois Gay Rodeo and the following year was proud to represent Illinois and win the title of Mr. International Gay Rodeo Association 1^st runner up.  I hope my past experiences in Gay Rodeo and my community organization knowledge will assist IL.G.R.A to continue to move forward while becoming an even greater presence in the Illinois community and I.G.R.A. at large.

We will be hosting many meet and greets throughout the Chicago and Illinois areas.  Please keep a close eye on our web site, www.ilgra.com for updates, events we will be attending and opportunities for you ALL to become involved.   I hope to meet as many of you as possible in the next few months.  For those of you that are interested in getting involved in Gay Rodeo and have said while sitting in the stands at the Windy City Rodeo or other Rodeos “I COULD DO THAT”if someone would just show me.. Well that time has come!  We are looking for a few good Men and Women who are interested in becoming Cowboys and Cowgirls. Watch our web site for more information on our “RODEO BOOT CAMP” scheduled for June 5^th and6^th at our Rodeo grounds in Crete (beginners welcome).  There is a place in our family for everyone, whether you are interested in learning how to Rodeo, work in the Chutes or Arena; country western dance or maybe you’re more interested in being involved with the organizing events or just watching the other Cowboys and Cowgirls at Rodeos we have a place for you at IL.G.R.A. Please come and share with us in the exciting family of Gay Rodeo! 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

A Joyous and safe Holiday Season to all!

 LET’S RODEO!

Tom Sheridan