stock image of rodeo horse

Lisa Smith

Lisa Smith is a veteran of the United States Army where she served for twenty-four years. She joined IGRA later in life, calling herself a “late bloomer,” but she and her partner are active volunteers. She has been rodeo director, Chancellor of IGRA University, and the rodeo director of the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Albuquerque in 2017.

Interview Location: Austin, Texas

Date: November 20, 2016 | Interviewer: Rebecca Scofield

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What is special about gay rodeo?

And I have met a lot of good people—some of the best people around. They’re definitely family.

-Lisa Smith

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

Somewhat. Somewhat of a cowgirl, you know. I appreciate the real cowgirls that I see that live on the ranches, that have to feed those horses and those animals everyday—morning, noon, night…

-Lisa Smith

What was your experience coming out?

“Don't Ask, Don't Tell” was still in place. But still I had to watch what I was doing, or not doing, or whatever so I didn't get kicked out. I'd hate to get kicked out at the very end.

-Lisa Smith

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