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David Renier

David Renier, raised on a diary and ranch outside San Diego, has been riding since he was two years old. He now owns a business and travels with his horses to many horse events, including gay rodeos. He rides mostly in team roping, calf roping, and barrel racing, but has placed in every event.

Interview Location: Duncans Mills, California

Date: September 10, 2016 | Interviewer: Rebecca Scofield

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What is special about gay rodeo?

It definitely was a place that made me feel safe and secure and able to be the authentic me.

-David Renier

Have you ever been physically injured?

Oh yeah, I've had three reconstructive surgeries on my knees, my arm, yeah, stuff like that.

-David Renier

How did you find gay rodeo?

I wasn't out at the time, so I wasn't really sure I wanted to be part of it. [...] I entered one event just to see if it was something I wanted to do. I did my first event and was hooked.

-David Renier

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

I think of a cowboy as my father—as that was his living, like that was his life. And he lived and breathed it. And I'm lucky enough to be able to do it on the weekends…

-David Renier

What was your experience coming out?

I slowly came out to the people that I trusted. And those people were always supportive and were always there for me in case there was any problem.

-David Renier

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