Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association

History of Great Plains Rodeo

In 1986 OGRA members combined resources with the Kansas and Missouri gay rodeo associations to form the Great Plains Regional Rodeo and held the first ever GPRR in August of the same year--a great success. In 1992 the GPRR was moved to Memorial Day weekend where it remains today and in that same year Arkansas joined the three existing organizations, OGRA, KGRA and MGRA and produced the GPRR until 1999 when the four state organizations split to enable each to hold their own respective rodeos. OGRA dropped “Regional” from our rodeo name to become the Great Plains Rodeo and continue the event Memorial Day weekend in Oklahoma City--2008 will be our 23rd production. We are proud that each year the Great Plains Rodeo (GPR) ranks in the top 4 rodeos of the 18 to 20 produced by state/province associations each year in the IGRA rodeo circuit.

…About OGRA…

The Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association, Inc. (OGRA) is a nonprofit organization and member of the International Gay Rodeo Association, Inc. (IGRA) which is comprised of 28 state/provincial associations throughout the United States and Canada. OGRA is proud to be the first association seated at the first ever IGRA Convention in 1985. Our purpose for organizing OGRA was to provide a harmonious environment for those interested in the western lifestyle to express themselves through rodeo, playdays, dance and other family social activities barring all prejudices related to sex, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, race or any other prejudices.

Charity Partners…

Other Options, Inc., Rain Oklahoma, Infant Crises Services, Inc and the Young Gay/Lesbian Alliance have partnered with OGRA through fundraising events such as our annual Great Plains Rodeo, our largest fundraising event of the year, the proceeds of which are donated back to local charities throughout the state of Oklahoma. Through our many years of service, we have given thousands of dollars to a host of charities helping people both in and out of the gay community. Each of our Charity Partners contributes and promotes a better way of life for each individual receiving their services. In the 1st quarter of each year, the general membership chooses any number of local charities to support during the coming year. In addition our sister organization in Texas (TGRA) hosts their Texas Tea Party at the Copa during Great Plains Rodeo and all proceeds are donated to at least two additional local charities chosen by our current Royalty Team.