Last Rodeo

[Jeri Ann]

As moderator of this section I check in practicaly every day but it's been over two years since I have started a thread. The last one was about my experiences volunteering with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. This one will be too.

I began serving on a Rodeo committee just a year into my transition. The three week long Rodeo, and the many months preparing for each season, was a major part of my life. As far as I know I was/ am the only trans woman to be a volunteer. To put that into perspective, there are 35,000 volunteers on 109 committees that put on the largest rodeo in the world. In addition, this is in Texas and the rodeo culture traditionally is very conservative.

In the many years that I volunteered I never experienced an issue because I was trans. The committee that I have served on is the Midway Ticket Committee- 860 people on Twelve teams plus management. Each team worked four nine hour shifts during the season selling tickets for rides and games at the Carnival. Typically we would have over 100,000 visitors each shift. My last shift set a record at 199,000 visitors.

On my team I worked every position and moved up through the ranks. My first job was selling tickets in a booth. Here I am (many years ago) just before opening the window on my very first shift.
Rodeo uniform.jpg

This past season I completed my second year as Captain of my team. Here is most of my team. Some were still out working. I am in the center, back row. Agreeing to have your picture posted is part of volunteering for HLSR.
Last Rodeo 1.jpg

It was a heart wrenching decision to step down from my position as Captain. I love the leadership role and my team was like family to me. However, I am not a "spring chicken" and health issues have popped up. The job was physically demanding. Making just one trip around the midway to check on my people in ticket booths and at ticket kiosks required walking 1.4 miles. It became increasingly difficult to do that.

I am leaving my team in great shape. One of my assistant captains will take over Next year. In these two pictures I am with my assistant captains.
Last Rodeo 2.jpgLast Rodeo 3.jpg

I put these types of threads in this section of the forum because this is where people go for hope and encouragement. I know I did many years ago. These threads are about my transition. No, not medication or procedures. Those are just steps along the way. Transitioning is about functioning in the real world. Volunteering with the rodeo is part of how I have found my way. Every individual has to find their own way. The important thing is to bring value into the world around you. Being trans is an insignificant detail.

Jeri Ann Young
Captain (retired) Team 4