Voices of Gay Rodeo

Ann Kinney

Ann Kinney jumped into bronc riding at the age of 30 after growing up on a family farm. She came out before the age of 18 and struggled with a drinking problem. She and her partner have both competed in the rodeo but, due to health reasons, have scaled back their involvement. Kinney has served as a great mentor for others interested in bronc riding.

Interview Location: Duncans Mills, California

Date: September 11, 2016 | Interviewer: Rebecca Scofield

Go to Transcript

What is special about gay rodeo?

Coming into this and actually being able to participate in the event that I choose... it's a freedom to fulfill dreams.

-Ann Kinney

What is special about gay rodeo?

It's fun, whether you're getting drug through the mud or the dirt. It's fun.

-Ann Kinney

What is special about gay rodeo?

It's the community that keeps you coming back. All those people out there keep you coming back because it's a big family and we're all real tight. You just know that they're there for you.

-Ann Kinney

Have you ever been physically injured?

When I came off the bronc I actually landed on my shoulder and split my spleen in half. And got up and walked out of the arena. I didn't know that was internal bleeding. [...] I don't break real easy so that's pretty good.

-Ann Kinney

What does it mean to be a cowboy or cowgirl and are you one?

I'd say the first word is down-to-earth, honesty. It's a noble-ism in a big way to me, because when it comes to history the one thing that I was always drawn to in American history is the frontier.

-Ann Kinney

Click below to filter the visualization by subject.