Just Because...

News Round-Up: July 30, 2016

Some news stories you may have missed:

• Anti-LGBT American Family Association is super-pissed that Hilton Hotels ran the above ad of two hot guys.

• The Navy will name a new ship after the late LGBT activist Harvey Milk.

• GOP VP candidate Mike Pence says there's no place for name calling in politics. Has he MET his running mate?

• Cleveland Pride cancels this year's Pride celebration, and the reasons are kinda vague.

• Is voting for a third party "throwing away" your vote?

• Donald Trump says the NFL wrote him complaining about the presidential debate schedule. The NFL says he's lying.

• Remember folks - save a horse, ride a cowboy.

A photo posted by thegailygrind (@the.gaily.grind) on Jul 10, 2016 at 3:52pm PDT

Montana Makes A Gorgeous Backdrop For Benjamin And Brandon

From Gay.net:  For Brandon and Benjamin, having photographer Brian Powers shoot them on a ranch outside Missoula, Montana was about capturing their relationship in its most natural environment.

Brandon grew up around the ranch and, as a couple, they’re united by their love of the open-air Montana lifestyle.

For more of the handsome couple in equally handsome surroundings, head over to Gay.net.

"This Is Life With Lisa Ling" Explores Life At The Gay Rodeo

Who doesn't love a cowboy?

This coming Sunday, This Is Life With Lisa Ling on CNN airs "Gay Rodeo" at 10PM ET/PT.

Via press release:

We all know the image of the American cowboy: He's tough, self-reliant, stoic, the epitome of masculine. Could he be all that— and gay?

Lisa will explore the world of the International Gay Rodeo Association, which today has over 5,000 registered members.

Here, in Santa Fe, Lisa will meet people united by two unlikely qualities: their love of Western culture and their homosexuality.

Many have braved childhoods in the most homophobic regions of the country; some are still in the closet; and others are fastening their chaps for the very first time. But all are bucking stereotypes, proving that you don’t have to be straight to rope, ride, and wrestle a steer.

Ling will also be hosting a Twitter Town Hall live during the broadcast. Follow #ThisIsLife

Brokeback Lismore: Two Country Cowboys In Australia

Aussie cowboys Dan Smith and Miki Velickovski

Meet Dan Smith and Miki Velickovski, a couple of Aussie country cowboys who defy the cliches of both LGBT and rural cultures.

(via Accidental Bear)

Photography: Photographs from the Gay Rodeo

Chute Dogging, Phoenix, Arizona, 1989, Blake Little

First you start with "who doesn't think cowboys are sexy?"

This February, Indianapolis' Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art will play host to a new exhibit celebrating life at the gay rodeo — Blake Little: Photographs from the Gay Rodeo.

Via Gay.net:

The Los Angeles-based artist, who's photographed everyone from Tom Cruise to Jane Fonda to Jane Lynch, captured the grit and glamour of the gay and lesbian rodeo circuit in the '80s and '90s. The gay cowboys and cowgirls challenged gender roles and reveled in competition and comraderie.

The exhibit, curated by Johanna Blume, opens February 1 and will be at the Eiteljorg until the summer Pride season.

"This exhibit also explores the diverse and complex natures of individual and community identity in the West," Blume says. "Many of the people in these photos were LGBT men and women from rural backgrounds and the gay rodeo circuit gave them a place where they could embrace and celebrate their full identities."

Rodeo Partners Gene Hubert and Rick Ferreira, Sun Valley, California, 1991, Blake Little

The Prayer, Rick Simmons, San Diego, California, 1991, Blake Little

Los Angeles Cowboys, Hollywood, California, 1990, Blake Little