Stampede Program 1993

Jun 28, 2005
530 x 700, 61.9 k 530 x 700, 53.4 k 530 x 700, 79.6 k 530 x 700, 44.2 k 530 x 700, 39.7 k 530 x 700, 81.0 k 530 x 700, 59.8 k 530 x 700, 40.2 k 530 x 700, 48.6 k 530 x 700, 41.3 k 530 x 700, 81.1 k 530 x 700, 50.4 k 530 x 700, 51.0 k 530 x 700, 54.6 k 530 x 700, 53.3 k 530 x 700, 55.3 k 530 x 700, 66.6 k 530 x 700, 51.8 k 530 x 700, 38.1 k 530 x 700, 69.8 k 530 x 700, 54.7 k 530 x 700, 62.9 k 530 x 700, 91.3 k 530 x 700, 82.5 k 530 x 700, 46.9 k 530 x 700, 92.6 k 530 x 700, 106.0 k 530 x 700, 59.2 k 530 x 700, 63.6 k 530 x 700, 53.2 k 530 x 700, 52.7 k 530 x 700, 64.5 k 530 x 700, 66.5 k 530 x 700, 78.0 k

Rodeo Dedication 1993

The first Atlantic Stampede was dedicated to the Spirit of Rodeo. We dedicated this unique weekend, the first of its kind east of the Mississippi River, to th e"determined face of the cowboy in the chute just climbing onto the back of his bronc, or the cowgirl fighting to stay on the back of a ton of spinning bull," and to the "joy and enthusiasm of the dancers, singers, entertainers and crafts folk as their skills bring to life the culture of our country and western community." In short, we honored the not-so-new family of gay and lesbian cowboys and cowgirls and their enthusiasts who make up the rodeo circuit and country and western lifestyle.

In 1993 we have a much broader task for our second Atlantic Stampede weekend. The success of last year's weekend pointed out that rodeo and country and western events do in fact reach deep into the homosexual community, and at times even the heterosexual community. And 1993 also marks an undeniable shift in America's understanding and acceptance of homosexuals as a whole.

In January, gay America celebrated as a new president promised to bring change and a policy of inclusion to our counry's view of homosexuals. President Clinton stirred a national debate by proposing to lift the ban on gays and lesbians in the military. And although the ban remains intact today, America knows that gays are woven throughout the fabric of our nation and maybe, on more personal levels, the "ban" is slowly, quietly lifting.

In March, hundred of thousands of gays and lesbians from across America - and the world - returned to the nation's capital to march for our rights. A Simple Matter of Justice it was called. This proud display clearly woke up many citizens, some to their shock and dismay, but many to a greater understanding of those not exactly like themselves.. Members of the Atlantic Stages Gay Rodeo Association marched alongside states, teachers, leather groups, religious leaders, compassionate friends and family members, dykes on bikes, sports and entertainment stars and more. And who will ever forget Martina Navratilova's moving speach about the dangers of labeling people based on their sexual orientation, color, or creed.

In june, 1994, or gay and lesbian family will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York City with another "call to march" to show our strength, unity, power, direction and determination. At the same time, we will be competing and cheering in the fourth Gay Olympics, also in New York City.

Why this need of separate gay events like gay rodeos and the Gay Olympics? Why can't we simply assimilate into existing "straight" events? Hopefully one day we can, not having to make an implicit distinction between homosexual and heterosexual, gay and straight. But until that acceptance and understanding comes, we have the right - and duty - to exercise our many gifts and talents without denying any part of our person. America is a beautiful collection of many faces, amny beliefs, and many cultures, each free to compete amongst ourselves and to enjoy the fellowship of each others company.

So, to our brothers and sisters, we salute you and dedicate this rodeo to you. Barring accidents, gay rodeo is neither harmful to man nor beast. Gay rodeo allows us to cheer for our cowboys and cowgirls and sometimes even the beast. Whether you are an outspoken activist, or someone behind the scenes, this weekend is for us all.

1993 is indeed a year to be proud. Proud to be gay and lesbian. Proud to be Americans. Proud to be a diverse group of people free to argue, disagree, and compromise. Proud to be celebrating gay country and western culture and sport in the nation's capital.

Lets Rodeo!

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