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Gay rodeo draws people to L.A.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Chris Tobin leans on a fence and ices his face after riding a bull and a steer minutes apart. A pad on his helmet somehow smacked his face, leaving him with a black eye, one of the many injuries rodeo competitors are used to.

Now, wearing a rainbow-colored tutu, wig, tank top and cowboy boots, he waits his turn to try to direct or drag a steer across a finish line with two teammates as part of a competition known as wild drag racing, a staple of this yearly event at a Las Vegas equestrian facility.

Wild drag racing isn’t a traditional rodeo event, but this isn’t an average amateur rodeo. It’s a stop on the International Gay Rodeo Association circuit.

“It’s my passion,” said Tobin, a Denver resident who marked his 10th rodeo event of the year in Sin City. “In no way was I raised as a cowboy. I’m actually from New York City, but I was introduced to it three years ago. I’ve found something that I like, and I’m going to keep going with it.”

Last month’s event in Las Vegas drew more than 200 spectators and 73 participants from across the U.S. The circuit’s finals are taking place this weekend in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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