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

[Lana Mae]

So sorry about the bad news! Hope you are comfortable and without pain! Love you, sis!
Hugs Lana Mae

[Crissy 107]

Hi Jeri Ann, I am sorry to hear you stepped down as Captain of your team. I am sure you will be missed next year and who knows maybe you can come back in a less demanding position, without so much walking.
I love every one of your pictures and it is easy to see you are admired.

[Di]

You will be missed as you give your all .
Thanks for an inspiring post even though it’s bitter sweet .
Proud of you !

[char GG]

Thanks for your role at the rodeo. Sorry about your feeling the need to step down. Hope you still enjoy the rodeo people, as they sound very supportive.

[Jeri Ann]

So sorry about the bad news! Hope you are comfortable and without pain! Love you, sis!
Hugs Lana Mae

Just in case my "sister from another mister" might fly to Houston again just to check on me, I should elaborate.

It is posible that I have a condition that has taken half a century to show up, Late Onset Radiation Induced Plexopathy (LORIP). It is damage to the Plexus (Nerve Network) due to excessive radiation. Being a fifty year cancer survivor has come at a cost. Although I tested negative for this at the Texas Orthopedic Hospital, I continue to have all the same symptoms. My legs don't know exactly what to do because signals from my brain don't always get through the plexus to them. In addition, I have Degenerative Disc Disease and Scoliosis. Walking is extremely difficult to say the least. In the past few months leg twitches, another symptom, have popped up.My cane is not in the pictures because we were either in headquarters or just outside.

I will be okay. My physical ability is just limited. I can still get around, take care of my house and garden and occasionally go fishing. I just do things slower and in shorter spells.

Please don't send flowers. Money will suffice.

[kimdl93]

Hey, Jeri Ann; sorry to hear that you are stepping back from the role of captain of one of the teams at the Houston Rodeo. I know this experience has meant a lot to you, and I am sure your leadership meant the world to your team. But as a (semi-) retired person myself, I can also appreciate the passage of time and ultimately, the necessity of handing of responsibilities (and miles) to younger folks with fresher legs! I hope you are able to keep some connection with the Rodeo that is less demanding.

[Brenda456]

It is sad when we stop doing things we enjoy. Hopefully, you will find something else you find fulfilling. Thank you for your posts, though infrequent, they are very interesting. I enjoy them.