Watch Queens & Cowboys

Queens & Cowboys is a 2014 documentary film that explores the lives of queer rodeo enthusiasts in the United States. Directed by Matt Livadary, the film follows four individuals as they journey through the world of competitive rodeo, a sport traditionally associated with conservative, heteronormative values. The first character we meet is Wade Earp, a gay man who happens to be a distant relative of the famous lawman, Wyatt Earp. Wade is a bareback rider, a discipline that involves staying on a bucking horse for eight seconds without touching it with his free hand. Despite facing discrimination from some fellow riders, Wade is determined to make a name for himself in the rodeo world.

The second character we meet is Char Duran, a lesbian who competes in steer wrestling, also known as bulldogging. This involves jumping off a horse and grabbing a running steer by the horns in order to wrestle it to the ground. Char grew up in a rodeo family and is used to being around the macho, cowboy culture, but she still faces resistance from some quarters due to her sexual orientation.

The third character is Chris Claypool, a transgender man who competes in the barrel racing event. This involves riding a horse in a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels as fast as possible. Chris used to be a professional barrel racer as a woman, but transitioned after a near-death experience. He now competes in the men's division and hopes to inspire other LGBTQ+ people to follow their dreams.

The final character is Margo Patton, a straight woman who founded the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) in the 1980s in order to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ people to participate in rodeo. Margo's son is gay and was initially reluctant to join rodeo due to the homophobia he saw around him. However, he eventually found a home and a community within the IGRA.

Throughout the film, we see these four individuals interact with each other and with the wider rodeo community. We see them practice their skills, prepare for events, and reflect on their motivations for competing. We also hear from other members of the IGRA, including its former president, who describe the history and ethos of the organization.

One of the key themes of the film is the tension between tradition and progress. Rodeo is steeped in historical and cultural significance, and many conservative rodeo fans view any attempt to diversify the sport as an attack on their values. However, the film makes the case that rodeo can and should belong to everyone, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.

Another theme is the idea of chosen family. The four main characters all have biological families who may or may not accept them for who they are, but they have also found a sense of kinship with each other and with other members of the LGBTQ+ rodeo community. They support each other through injuries, setbacks, and victories, and they share a bond that goes beyond simply being on the same team.

The cinematography in the film is stunning, with sweeping shots of the rodeo arena and close-ups of the riders' faces as they compete. The film also includes archival footage of the early days of the IGRA, as well as interviews with some of its founding members.

Overall, Queens & Cowboys is a heartwarming and thought-provoking documentary that shines a light on an often-overlooked subculture. Its message of acceptance and inclusivity is particularly relevant in today's political climate, where many LGBTQ+ people still face discrimination and marginalization. Whether you're a fan of rodeo or a newcomer to the sport, this film will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

Queens & Cowboys is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.