Luke Gilford: Portraits of the Queer Frontier

Luke Gilford’s (American, b. 1986) photographs share an intimate glimpse into the community of the queer rodeo circuit. Born to a mainstream rodeo champion, the images presented convey Gilford’s self-proclaimed “electric charge of belonging” when he discovered the International Gay Rodeo Association as an adult in 2016. The iconic sporting event of the American West calls to mind strength, independence, rugged determination, and grit. These images speak the same visual language, while simultaneously subverting mainstream expectations of gender, sexuality, and rural self-expression. Gilford shares with viewers the discoveries of his quest to assure himself that rural queerness is not a myth. It has long existed, and its authenticity can be seen and felt throughout this deeply human project.