Gay Rodeo Spotlighted in One-Night-Only Event

MOSCOW, Idaho — University of Idaho will host a one-night-only presentation of Gay Rodeo — looking into its historical and current role — with gay rodeo participant and scholar Nicholas Villanueva at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at Moscow Contemporary, 414 S. Main Street, Moscow. 

The event is hosted by U of I’s Department of Theatre Arts, Department of History and the LGBTQA Office. 

Professors Rebecca Scofield and Robert Caisley previously collaborated to write “That Damn Horse,” a play using the words of gay rodeo participants and their dialogue from interviews, archives and news articles. 

Caisley, chair of Theatre Arts, said artists and educators have a moral obligation to address issues of intolerance. This historical exhibition fills a gap in the story of the West, he said. 

“We are excited to bring Nicholas and his knowledge of the gay rodeo to Moscow. His work, and Dr. Scofield’s work, represent important examinations of an underappreciated and misunderstood narrative of the American West,” Caisley said.

“Professor Villanueva’s work is an exciting intersection of historical research and experience in the arena,” said Scofield, chair of the Department of History. 

The project is funded by President Scott Green’s Diversity Initiative; the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences; and the Department of History. Admission is free