International Gay Rodeo Association

Imperial Accord of Partnership

The History of the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) has an "Imperial" beginning. In 1976, Phil Ragsdale, Emperor I of the Imperial Court of Reno, Nevada held the first gay rodeo as a fund raiser for Muscular Dystrophy starting the relationship between the gay western lifestyle and its participants and the Imperial Court System. As the National Reno Gay Rodeo continued, its' participants formed associations from across the United States and interest grew in western events such as rodeo's long after Emperor Ragsdale's Reno Rodeo discontinued in 1984. The IGRA formed in 1985 and since inception, along with its' member associations and participants, has continued the concept of promoting the country western lifestyle, the sport of rodeo and charitable community fund raising. The IGRA currently has 28 Member Associations with members in 26 states and the District of Columbia in the United States and covers 5 providences in Canada.

Throughout the years, individuals involved with the International Court System (ICS) and the IGRA have diligently worked in their communities as role models, community leaders and stood in the forefront of education, community service and fund raising. These efforts, at times, have been collaborations throughout the cities where chapters are present for both organizations.

We salute the progress and growth of the IGRA and wish to continue in friendship; working together to achieve excellence, equality and positive growth not only in our communities, but all across the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.

With admiration and respect, we, the International Court System, led by Empress Nicole the Great, Queen Mother of the Americas, wish to enter into a FRIENDSHIP ACCORD with the International Gay Rodeo Association. With this dedication, we will strive to continue to educate each other; to communicate effectively and increase awareness and support each organization's individual efforts.

Signed on this day, the Eighteenth of April in the year Two-Thousand Nine in Denver, Colorado, USA.