Roger Bergmann

Roger Bergmann grew up in Kalispell, Montana, and worked in the forestry service industry for thirty years in California. He was a former president of IGRA and has been involved since the very beginning of gay rodeo. He was a founding member of the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association and went to the first conventions. While he competed in some events, he focused on administration and became a certified judge.

Interview Location: Austin, Texas

Date: November 19, 2016 | Interviewer: Rebecca Scofield

Go to Transcript

Have you ever been physically injured?

I spent a night in the hospital after a hard fall in Los Angeles. I collapsed my lung.

-Roger Bergmann

How did you find gay rodeo?

I went to the rodeo in August of 1981 shortly after I had gone into my first bar, because of the flyer that I had seen. There were about 8,000 people in the stands.

-Roger Bergmann

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

No. […] Not compared to these people that can ride a horse really well. Even as a judge I was able to ride a horse but I'm not a…I don't consider myself a really good equestrian person.

-Roger Bergmann

What was your experience coming out?

My sister, no problem. My parents, really no problem. It stunned them, but there was no rejection. […] I feel really fortunate with the family that I have.

-Roger Bergmann

Click below to filter the visualization by subject.