Really awesome article was published today (April 30th, 2023) about gay rodeo!!!

Please give it a read, and if anyone wants information on how to get involved: where to go watch, or even competing- just let me know. Gay rodeo has been going on since the 60s and has chapters in several states in the US, as well as in Canada. But only has a fraction of the numbers it used to, and very few younger folks.

Howdy y’all! I made a discord server for queer folks in the western equine/rodeo industry to hang out.

It’s friendly to all queer folks, and allies interested in the queer side of the western industry. The link can be found below. Stop by and hang out, we’d love to have you!

We have a section that’s still a work in progress for queer associations such as gay rodeo, along with a calendar of upcoming events that these associations put on. If you know of any queer organizations or events, such as rodeos, trail rides, barrel races, etc that you think could be added to the list, please dm me!

For those unfamiliar with queer folks in western spaces, here’s some articles. We’ve always been here and there’s space for us in the industry

Me and my gf at the gay rodeo in texas earlier this year

I wish more folks knew about the gay rodeo :(

Cool community, incredible history, and amazing opportunity to interact with queer elders

Many rodeo associations limit roughstock competitions to men, but online research led Sarah to a circuit that didn’t have any such restrictions. It was appealing to her for other reasons, too. The first competition of what eventually became the International Gay Rodeo Association was held in Reno, Nevada, in 1976. Within a few years, the one-off event had evolved into a gay-rodeo circuit, with subchapters scattered throughout the West; the Texas Gay Rodeo Association was established in 1983. This year, there are a dozen I.G.R.A. events, in places like Salt Lake City and Las Vegas and Santa Fe, culminating in the World Gay Rodeo Finals in El Reno, Oklahoma, in October.

when is the gay rodeo??

Hello anon! These dates are pulled from the International Gay Rodeo Association's calendar! I've linked the websites associated with the various rodeos too for your searching pleasure ^.^

Bighorn Rodeo is September 15-17, 2023 in Las Vagas, Nevada

World Gay Rodeo Finals is October 27-29, 2023 in El Reno, Oklahoma

Then going into 2024 (remember that 2024 dates are subject to change):

Arizona Gay Rodeo is February 16-18, 2024 in Pheonix, Arizona

Texas Tradition Rodeo is April 12-14, 2024 in Denton, Texas

Rodeo in the Rock is April 26-28, 2024 in Little Rock, Arkansas

Bc I live in New York, the closest of any of these is Arkansas, but it's still one hell of a round trip train ticket, you know? Honestly a little homophobic that travel is so expensive 😔

Charlie Colella RODEO 2005

RIDE 'EM, COWBOY:

11.04.05

On his ranch in Pilot Point, Texas, Charlie Colella wrangles his quarter horses, Bailey, left, and Jet.

By Daniel Kusner

Good little Catholic boys from Polish-Italian households in Calumet City, are expected to play football and baseball.

And that’s what Charlie Colella did.

“But I never was any good,” he says. “My brother was the athlete in the family. And growing up, my dad was a coach, referee and umpire.”

Calumet City, a gritty south suburb of Chicago, is the town where the fabled St. Helen of the Blessed Shroud Orphanage is located — where The Blues Brothers got their orders to go on a “mission from God.”

“When I was 16, I looked around and I thought, ‘What’s my life going to be like when I’m in my 40s?”’ he remembers. “I couldn’t wait to get out of there.”

A change of scenery was definitely in order.

After a year of community college, Colella landed a job in Houston as a computer technician for Shell Oil.

He eventually migrated to Los Angeles to work for Xerox, “where I was a typical gay boy in the city. But something was missing in life. I just couldn’t find if” he says.

Through a new group of buddies, he attended his first gay rodeo in 1991.

And at that rodeo — without even practicing beforehand — Colella competed in a steer riding event.

“I just showed up. They told me what to do and how to do it. So I did,” he says. “It was the biggest adrenaline rush of my life. And whatever I was looking for, I knew right then and there that I found it.”

From steers, Colella hopped onto bulls.

But in 1992, a pelvis-crushing accident ended his days riding rough stock.

He never gave up on rodeo, however.

Now Colella’s strictly a horseman.

Two years ago, he moved back to the Lone Star State — bringing three quarter horses with him — and bought a three-acre ranch in Pilot Point, Texas, in northeast Denton County.

Pilot Point is apparently the heart of North Texas horse country, and Colella’s ranch is an idyllic portrait of the modem Wild West.

As I walk up to his fence, Colella’s excited 2-year-old filly, Jet, runs over to sniff me down.

“Put your mouth right up to her nostrils and exhale,” Colella says.

“Then she’ll be familiar with your scent.”

After trading breaths with Jet, she dashes off to the bam and bucks about, kicking sandy, soil high into the air.

The gay rodeo circuit keeps Colella busy.

Over the past year, he competed in eight out-of- town rodeos — traveling with his 10-year-old mare, Bailey, to Chicago, Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Little Rock, Wichita and other cities.

Next weekend, he doesn’t have to travel too far.

That’s when the 19th annual International Gay Rodeo Finals comes to Dallas.

The top 20 cowboys and cowgirls for each rodeo event have to qualify to be invited to finals.

During the two-day IGRA rodeo, Colella will compete in five events: pole bending, flag race, team roping, break away roping and calf roping on foot.

Colella is considered one of the stars of the Texas Gay Rodeo Association.

But he doesn’t measures his success in trophies (although he has nine sparkling belt buckles in his living room).

“I’m a city boy who’s now training my own horses,” he says. “I learned on my mare, and I’m the one riding her. That’s pretty' cool.”

A while back, his family came to see him compete at a gay rodeo in Las Vegas.

As he was getting ready for break away calf roping, a ladybug landed on his rope, a sign of good luck.

He caught the calf in five seconds.

“And right where I caught the calf was where my dad was sitting,” Colella remembers. “He was very impressed.”

Texas Tradition Rodeo & Country Fair, 2019

hey ELF! I was wondering if you had any countryside, cowboy fics??

Hi Anon,

Here are a few~

pretty darlin' by cloudwisp

(Rated T, 3,738 words, oneshot, complete)

Levi is no stranger to longing, sure, one could even say they're partners of sorts. As a child, Levi had longed for his Mother to open her eyes after they lost their light and remained still; he had then longed for food, just the smallest morsel to fill his aching stomach; under Kenny's care, he had longed for an escape.

Standing in this heated crowd of people, looking at the kindly face of this rodeo cowboy, longing creeps its way into Levi's bloodstream once again. Perhaps, this is the first person he has truly felt interest in for years. Never has he needed to crash his lips against another man's quite like this. For as long as Levi can remember, he's always pushed his desires down, down. It ain't right - he knows that.

In this moment, Levi wonders, how wrong could it possibly be? How wrong is it that this ecstatic stranger is reaching for his heart with those beautiful calloused hands? Levi wants him to take it all, anything he wants.

"Can I get you a drink?"

-

Little Rider by I_Snort_Matcha

(Rated T, 5,839 words, oneshot, complete)

Eren and Armin have volunteered their farm to be the main filming area for an incoming indie film. (OR the one where Eren is a dense ass cowboy but Levi falls for him anyway.)

-

Bucking Tradition by LaurelNymph

(Rated T, 2,561 words, oneshot, complete)

GOOD DIRTY FUN! AUGUST 18-20! -Texas Gay Rodeo Association

The words were splashed above a picture of a cowboy in profile, hat tugged low over a black undercut, grooming his horse. His Western shirt was loose, but it still clung to his torso enough to tell that he was ripped. In profile, his long, beautiful lashes were even more obvious.

And with that, Eren was determined to give gay rodeo a try.

-

Temptation's Retreat by SimplyTsundere

(Rated E, 80,650 words, multichapter, complete)

Charles Kirschtein is getting quite tired of his lawyers' inability to communicate effectively, so instead of giving them their two weeks vacation he decides to send them to Wyoming for team building. At the rustic ranch retreat, Silver Rose Ranch, there is no television, no cell phones, and damn sure no internet except when allowed during their few hours of downtime. Partner Levi Ackerman is none to pleased when he's saddled with Silver Rose Ranch instead of the beaches of Bora Bora. Hostile, argumentative, and downright rude, Levi doesn't take to well to be forced into the activities by some mud covered, horse smelling, local yokel. Somewhere down the line, however, his wires get crossed. He begins to find the stubborn, sassy, tanned, muscular, bi-eyed cowboy looking finer than a bottle of summertime wine. When tempting cowboys (and girls) meet lawyers worlds will collide in Wyoming style... only there's one problem: the ranchers are withholding secrets from their guests which may spell ruin for not only the ranch but their newly found romances.

Gordon Satterly, 61, from Michigan (L) kisses his husband Richard Brand, 53, from Texas, at the International Gay Rodeo Association’s Rodeo In the Rock party in Little Rock, Arkansas, April 24, 2015. Photo credit: Lucy Nicholson

Steve Hooper Peebles

GLAD YOU'RE HERE!

FIND MIRROR DOWNLOAD / WATCH CARMETTA PEEBLES. Murray PEEBLES, 403 . List of those owed money by the state of Tennessee - WATE Steven, 1980, P, Accused, Diocesan, One of 21 priests placed on . As a Marxist and gay activist, Wood was interested in how films like The . Hooper, Michael A. Sirota on . Richard B. REDACTED . Butler, Jr. Hairston (Son); Desherie (Isaac) . Anonymous View 10 Nov 2015 . Exploiting Exploitation Cinema: An Introduction - OpenEdition Journals This List of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Champions contains champions and . UK smut STAR HUGE STEVE HOOPER. Database of Priests Accused of interesting Abuse - Bishop Accountability Gay O'CONNOR, 372 . On Saturday New Zealand socialite Pebbles Hooper tweeted the tragic death of a family was due to 'Natural selection'. Obituaries - Composed and performed by Wayne Bell and Hooper himself (Roche, 2014, 191-201). STEVE HOOPER HAIRY KEN RYKER ROMEO! 7 Van Peebles has always denied the influence although he lived in France in . 1982 Charles Sampson, Los Angeles, California; 1981 Don Gay, Mesquite, Texas; 1980 Don Gay, Mesquite, . Great-grandchildren, Cymone James, Raychul Peebles, Jayla Tyler, Amari, Noah and. 5 Jul 2015 . Jobs Nearby Ophelia graduated from Huntsville High School in 1943 and married Clayton . Dandridge. Alaskan Shepherd June-July 2003: Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Hooper Bay, Alaska:. 10 Mar 2014 . 2017 Tim O'Connell, Zwingle, Iowa; 2016 Tim O'Connell, Zwingle, Iowa; 2015 Steven Peebles, Redmond, Oregon . Lloyd HOOPER, 251. The Tennessee Department of Treasury has more than S720 million in unclaimed property. best: HAIRY CENTERFOLDS GAY . Interment to follow at Peebles Cemetery in Livingston, Texas. Steve FAIRCLOUGH, 423 . MARIO VAN PEEBLES. Malcolm COLES, 423. She is survived by her sons, Steven Eaton and wife, Tammy, Shawn Eaton, and Michael . Bessie Lee Hooper Hairston both of whom preceded her in death. Surviving her in Death are: Steven (Pearlie) A. Actor Jobs Steven Jay Schneider and Tony WILLIAMS, eds, Horror International, Detroit, . Chapter 11 Voluntary Petition Filed by Michael D. Bodybuilder Who preceded her in death. Liz SNOOK, 372. Gays Nearby She was married to Isaac M. 250 Club - Parkrun Pebbles Hooper who mocked death of family on Twitter forced to . 1015 Gay St. Halsey left the order, married, and lives in Oregon as of 2002. Suit settled 1998 as part of of S5M settlement, which also included claims against Robert Peebles. Graveside services for Jeanette Hooper, 74, of Shepherd, Texas, will be held Saturday, . List of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Champions . Now she has been. Death Notices Winston-Salem, Funeral Service Edinburgh Scotland Muscle Hunks William REID, 403.

Hey I saw your blaze and despite living Denton, I had no idea about the rodeo! Ty, I def wanna get involved!

Here’s the link to the Texas gay rodeo association- http://tgra.org/

If you scroll to the bottom of the page you’ll find emails to the different chapters within the state!

Here’s also a link to the International Gay Rodeo Association that the Texas Gay Rodeo Association is a part of- http://www.igra.com/

The Denton Gay Rodeo is once a year. However, all the chapters within the state hold monthly meetings, get togethers, and fundraisers! Checking out one of their events would be a good way to get more information. The Denton Gay Rodeo is also a part of a circuit of rodeos all over the country and you can find the calendars to those on the IGRA website.

I also highly recommend following the gay rodeos on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/Texas.Gay.Rodeo.Association?mibextid=LQQJ4d

And

https://m.facebook.com/IGRARodeo/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

If you want help finding more info on competing or anything else, send me a dm!

Calling all artists and fans of rodeo! The Texas Gay Rodeo Association(TGRA) is holding a contest to design their 2024 rodeo poster.

There’s a $200 prize and two tickets to watch the rodeo in Denton Texas

Earping For The Greater Good: #EarpYourCommunity

What do you get when you take a fandom known for its fervent desire to spread kindness and combine it with the opportunity to make a difference in the world?

The answer is #EarpYourCommunity, an initiative that encourages fans of Wynonna Earp to channel their passion and positivity into real-life change by coming together to organize what are known as “service meetups” in their area. Earper meetups themselves have been going on for quite some time now, spanning the globe and giving Wynonna fans of all demographics a chance to meet and bond with one another in a social setting. These “service meetups” add a new dynamic to this concept, presenting an opportunity for Earpers to go out into their own communities (hence #EarpYourCommunity!) and find something they can do together to give back. Whether it’s volunteering at an animal shelter, organizing a clean-up at a local park, or teaming up to spread awareness for a charity close to your heart, the possibilities are endless.

Here at Earp It Forward, we’re happy to share that since the initial launch of this project, several successful #EarpYourCommunity service meetups have already taken place across the USA! Read on to find out what these groups of Earpers did recently to make a difference in the world…

@chicagoearpers - Bernie’s Book Bank

On Friday July 6th, the Chicago Earpers came together to help sort books for Bernie’s Book Bank, an organization that “sources, processes, and distributes 12 books per year to 300,000 at-risk children throughout Chicagoland”. These Earpers were all smiles as they spent their day sifting through piles of books, happy to lend their time to this wonderful organization. They even got a shoutout on the digital screen at Bernie’s Book Bank, which proudly listed “EARP Your Community” as one of the groups they were welcoming for the day!

@CarolinaEarpers - Second Harvest Food Bank

The Carolina Earpers had their first #EarpYourCommunity meetup on Saturday, July 7th, when they volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank! The organization, which proudly supplies food and grocery items to 700+ charitable agencies, welcomed this team of Earpers to their warehouse in Charlotte. They spent the afternoon organizing medicine donated to the food bank by its expiration date, sorting out close to 5 bins for over the course of a few hours! Following their volunteering at Second Harvest, the Carolina Earpers then paid a visit to a local brewery.

Photo credit: Carolina Earpers (@CarolinaEarpers)

@SoCalEarpers - Green Ribbon Club

On June 23rd, the SoCal Earpers headed to Burbank, California to volunteer at a fundraiser for the Green Ribbon Club during a taping of the Netflix show One Day at a Time. A non-profit organization based out of Southern California, the Green Ribbon Club aims to “engage in youth advocacy to destigmatize mental health and increase awareness of resources to ultimately aid in suicide prevention”. SoCal Earper Nikki Daurio serves as Chief Communications Officer for the organization, which also currently has chapters in Hawaii and Massachusetts. One Day at a Time star Isabella Gomez even showed her support for the Green Ribbon Club, holding up a t-shirt with their logo in a group picture at the fundraiser!

Photo credit: Nikki (@EarpLikeFandras)

*If you happen to be in the Los Angeles area, Green Ribbon Club also has an upcoming silent auction event on August 26th in Anaheim, which Kat Barrell will be a guest speaker at! Tickets are $5 (or $7 at the door), and you can check out their website, greenribbonclub.org, for all the details.*

Some local Earper groups have also taken the #EarpYourCommunity spirit into the great outdoors, organizing service meetups focused on making our world a cleaner (and greener!) place.

@BayAreaEarpers - Ocean Beach Cleanup

On August 4th, the Bay Area Earpers teamed up with Golden Gate National Parks for a beach cleanup. Wearing specially designed “Earp Your Community” shirts (courtesy of @BeyondClexa), they headed down to San Francisco and spent the day beautifying Ocean Beach, working to get rid of all kinds of trash and debris that had ended up on the shore. All ages took part in this effort - the youngest helper was just a little under 3 years old! It was a wonderful opportunity for local Earpers to connect with one another while doing something that gave back to the environment.

Photo credit: Sarah (@HeresTheThing17)

NYC Earpers - Astoria Park Cleanup

The most recent of the #EarpYourCommunity events, a group of Earpers came together on Saturday, August 18th to clean up New York City’s Astoria Park, one of the largest open spaces in Queens. By spending their day pulling weeds and collecting trash, they helped restore the park and shoreline to its naturally beautiful state. In an exciting turn of events, the group even found an Earper who was out there volunteering on their own!

Photo credit: Kristen (@Gravery; top 2 photos), Shea (@Eat_Work_Run; bottom photo)

If you’re interested in taking part in a service meetup, why not see what local non-profit organizations and charities are out there for you to #EarpYourCommunity with?

Some of the specific causes Earpers around the globe have suggested getting involved with include a local women’s shelter (YWCA), animal shelter (Humane Society), orphanage (Mama’s Hope Haven of Norway), and LGBTQ+ organizations (Q Center, AZ Gay Rodeo Association, IGY). Musically inclined Earpers who live in the Georgia area can also check out some unique service opportunities through SERV and Dewitt Guitar Inc., and animal-loving Earpers in Texas can volunteer with the non-profits Panhandle Pups Unchained and Austin Wildlife Rescue. Opportunities abound all over the world, as these organizations and more are out there waiting for helpful hands and big hearts to aid their cause.

#EarpYourCommunity is a core component of Earp It Forward and a call to action to give back to our communities and neighborhoods through service events. #EarpYourCommunity activities come in all shapes and sizes and can be done by groups of Earpers or as an individual. It is about celebrating what Earpers may already be doing and helping people connect to take action and make a difference in the lives and well being of those around us. To learn more about #EarpYourCommunity, check out the "Are You Ready to Earp Your Community?" introduction document which outlines the project and provides support and resources for all your passion to help and give back. Contact #EarpYourCommunity organizers Kristen (@kindnesskru) and Sarah (@HeresTheThing17) on Twitter, or reach out to us at the contact information included at the end of this article.

A special thanks to the lovely Earper, Kindness Warrior and human, Hayley for curating and writing this article. Follow her on Twitter at @earpthewave.

For more information, feel free to reach out to Earp It Forward on Twitter at @earpitforward. You can also find us on Instagram (earpitforward), in addition to here on Tumblr, and email us at [email protected].

Also keep an eye out for Earp It Forward’s official website, which is coming soon!

GOOD DIRTY FUN! AUGUST 18-20!           -Texas Gay Rodeo Association

The words were splashed above a picture of a cowboy in profile, hat tugged low over a black undercut, grooming his horse. His Western shirt was loose, but it still clung to his torso enough to tell that he was ripped. In profile, his long, beautiful lashes were even more obvious.

And with that, Eren was determined to give gay rodeo a try.

My entry for Day 8 Bonus Day of Ereri AU Week. I went with a gay rodeo AU.

DWTS24 Cast Announcement and why Simone Biles won’t win.

Do you feel it? The anticipation, the desire, the lust for shirtless foreign men mixed with the scent of sweat dripping on hardwood?

YOU’RE GODDAMN RIGHT YOU DO. BECAUSE IT’S TIME FOR ANOTHER SEASON OF OUR FAVORITE SHOW WE LOVE TO RIP APART SINCE THIS IS OUR VERSION OF THE GODDAMN NFL.

IT’S TIME FOR MY RECAP OF THE DWTS SEASON 24 CAST ANNOUNCEMENT. BASK IN MY DISPLAY OF EXCITEMENT VIA CAPS LOCK. HERE WE GO, KIDS.

The Guys

BONNOR BOLTON with pro partner SHARNA BURGESS:

To start us off, like a large portion of the cast this season, especially the males, I have no clue who this person is. Apparently he’s a bull rider and model? Because those two things are commonly associated with each other… Anyway, he looks 12 but apparently is almost thirty. Now, if you remember back to season 8, rodeo cowboy Ty Murray (ex-hubbie of singer Jewel, though they were still married at the time) managed to get to fourth place with Chelsie Hightower. Now I won’t take anything away from Ty, but the competition wasn’t incredibly stiff that year outside of the top 3. That being said, it is possible this Bonnor guy (raise your hand if you’ve ever heard that name before. Me either) could turn out to be the next James Hinchcliffe and shock us all (shoutout to James. We love and adore and miss the hell out of you and Shar. #GetMarried). But I doubt it. My expectations are low. Moving on.

RASHAD JENNINGS with pro partner EMMA SLATER:

Please welcome the latest inductee into the Pro Athletes I’ve Never Heard Of Because They Are In Fact Athletes Club! His bio says he’s a running back in the NFL. Wasn’t Tim Riggins a running back on Friday Night Lights? GO RIGGINS! (Shoutout to everyone in Dillon, Texas. #TexasForever) …That’s it for my football knowledge. But congrats to Emma for getting a partner that isn’t old enough to be her grandfather and is actually in good physical shape. He won’t win, but he sure as hell won’t be as bad as her usual partners. Yahoo!

CHRIS KATTAN with pro partner WITNEY CARSON:

I’m never upset to see Witters. I missed her on the tour. This guy’s turn on SNL was before my time, so I’m 0/3 thus far. I’m gonna make a guess based on physique and just first glance (because I wouldn’t be the Lo you all love if I wasn’t a judgmental asshole) and say he’s gonna suck and be out early. Sorry Wit. Enjoy your time with the troupe.

DAVID ROSS with pro partner LINDSAY ARNOLD:

Again, I’m always happy to see Lindsay. We’re up to 0/5 for my recognition of the males of season 24, and we have our second inductee into the season 24 IDK Athletes Club. My knowledge of baseball is limited to the new FOX show Pitch (watch it. Fall in love with it. Obsess with me and my friendys in the #bawson tag. And yes, that is Mark Paul Gosselaar from Saved By The Bell. Zack Morris is a sexy motherfucker with that beard. #ShamelessPlug) but he seems like a nice guy. Horray for the MLB finally getting someone on the show. Or really, I’m sorry to the MLB for finally getting someone on the show. Moving forward.

MR. T with pro partner KYM HERJAVEC:

I KNOW THIS ONE! YOU GUYS, I KNOW WHO THIS ONE IS. And Kym is using her married name! (BTW, sidenote, I’ve started watching SharkTank and now adore Robert. Just sharing #Sharkaroo) Anyway, I think we all know how this is going to turn out. Lord help us. And I’m already sick of hearing that catchphrase.

NICK VIALL with pro partner PETA MURGATROYD:

Sigh. Yes, I know this one too. First of all, let me say welcome back Peta. We’ve missed you and couldn’t be happier to see you back on our screens. However, I’d rather see her with damn near anyone else but this guy. Am I watching this season of the Bachelor? Hell no, and Nick is the reason why. I didn’t watch his seasons of The Bachelorette- I actually have only seen a handful of seasons, but I’m aware of what’s gone on. And I’m opposed to him being the Bachelor for two reasons: #1. It should’ve been Luke. And #2. He’s a dick. Go ahead and try to convince me otherwise. I’m waiting. He won’t be great, and hopefully he won’t be around long. Sorry Nick, yet again you’ll be sent home with only your hand to console you. BUH-BYE NOW.

The Girls

SIMONE BILES with pro partner SASHA FARBER:

Another sigh. Am I excited she’s on the cast? Yes. Will she do well? Pointless to even answer. Am I excited to see the routines she does and how epic her partnership with Sasha will be? Of course. But I’m 95% sure she won’t win and here’s why: it’s also why I’m upset she’s on this season: they can’t and won’t have two identical winners directly next to each other. Simone isn’t even just a gymnast like Laurie, she was literally on the same team and is damn near a carbon copy. Is that a bad thing in life? Hell no. She’s tiny, adorable, and too precious for planet Earth. Make no mistake, I’m in love with the girl. But Simone winning would be almost an exact repeat of last season, which I do not think TPTB (sorry, I mean “the public voters” O.O) will allow. This is why when directly after the Olympics Simone said she couldn’t do the fall season of the show because of other commitments but would love to do the spring season, I was concerned when they announced Laurie. It’s like when Riker Lynch competed and his sister Rydel (shoutout to R5 for being fucking rockstars. Also, #TeamRallison you are missed) said she’s wanted to do the show for a long time, I said even if her schedule worked out it would have to be several seasons before she competed because having siblings back to back is too similar. So really it’s unfair to Simone and unfair to Sasha as well that she’s competing this season, because it’s an almost guarantee she won’t win despite the fact that we know she’ll be one of the best on the floor. Will she make it to the finale? Of course. But I sincerely doubt she has a real shot at getting the mirrorball.

CHARO with pro partner KEO MOTSEPE:

Okay. I get it. With a lot of the male vets being gone, it makes sense that Keo would get another shot as a pro. Plus, in this scenario whether or not he’s a great teacher doesn’t really matter. Do I know who this woman is? Yes. And…I don’t think I need or want to say much more. Godspeed.

ERIKA JAYNE with pro partner GLEB SAVCHENKO:

The Housewives is actually one of the few reality shows I don’t watch, primarily because I simply don’t have the time. So I have no clue who this woman is. I have a feeling she’ll be similar to Kim Zolciak, who I also did not know during her run in season 21 but quickly fell in love with and still follow on social media to this day. So who knows? I’m open to it and wish her well.

NANCY KERRIGAN with pro partner ARTEM CHIGVINTSEV:

Nope. Don’t know her either. But I remember when poor Dorothy Hamill, another former Olympic skater, back in season 16 was tragically forced to drop out of the competition in week 2 due to injury. Dorothy’s first performance was epic though, and she and Nancy seem somewhat similar in build, so… perhaps this could work well. If nothing else, we know the Olympians know how to train. Again, I wish her luck. Let’s see how this goes.

NORMANI KORDEI with pro partner VAL CHMERKOVSKIY:

I will be honest: of all the members of Fifth Harmony, Normani is not my favorite. She’s actually 4/5 for me, and yes, I still count Camilla. But I’m open to new things. She seems cool. And just because she isn’t my favorite member of Fifth Harmony doesn’t mean I don’t like her, she’s just not my fave. I’m excited to get to know and love her. I think she’ll be great. I look forward to seeing her partnership with Val. I’m good with this.

HEATHER MORRIS with pro partner MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY:

OH MY HELL KIDS, HERE WE GODDAMN GO. “Did you know that dolphins are just gay sharks?” “Whenever I pray, I fall asleep.” “Mr. Schue, is he your son?” “When I pulled my hamstring I went to a misogynist.” “It’s a male duck.” “I’m pretty sure my cat’s been reading my diary.” “She’s the one they made me talk to when they found out I was keeping that bird in my locker.” IT’S BRITTANY MOTHERFUCKING S. PIERCE. Yes she toured as a dancer with Beyoncѐ. Yes she knows how to not just dance, but slay. Is it fair? Probably not. Do I care? Find my fucks, I dare you. This is my girl, this is my pick, this is it. The end. I’m sorry Simone, honestly I am and I wish to hell you weren’t in such a shitty position, but this is my One. Mic drop. I’m done.

The Troupe and Missing Pros

Again, sorry to see Mark absent, but he’s moved on and seems happy so good for him. I’ll miss Allison like hell and wish both her and Jenna well in whatever they’re doing next and hope to see them return at some point. Meanwhile, I’m popping bottles and toasting because #MANTISLESS24. Make it trend! Watch me work! PS- welcome to the newbies in the troupe. Mama’s spikin’ her Dr. Pepper tonight. YES INDEED!

Predictions

EARLY EXIT/THANKS BUT NO THANKS: Charo, Chris, Mr. T, and possibly Bonnor (he could go middle and surprise us).

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD/AT LEAST YOU TRIED: Nick, possibly David, Nancy, Rashad, possibly Erika (she could go lower. We’ll see if she’s more Nene or Kim).

GOING ALL THE WAY/LOVE ON TOP OF THE LEADERBOARD: Normani, Simone, Heather. Final 3, I’m calling it now. Unless they end up shocking us and letting Simone have it, I’m gonna predict Heather takes the mirrorball, Simone gets second, and Normani lands bronze. I know Amber Riley won back in season 17 and Heather winning would be the second Glee star to win, but I don’t think that matters as much as two Olympians from the same team winning back to back. That’s my prediction as of now.

I’ll be on vacation in DISNEY WORLD (yessir, let’s go Mickey) for the premiere but I will of course check out the routines online that night. I’m coming home Tuesday so within the next day or so I’ll watch the whole show and either write up something for this blog or toss out some tweets. Keep an eye out.

And that’s it! Season 24, it’s on. I thought for quite a while over the break that last season was season 24, so there you go. Big shock, I have no idea what’s going on. What else is new?

Feel free to join the discussion and hit me up on social media which has changed since last season- I am now @lauthom93 on Twitter and Instagram. You can also comment on this post, check out my ask box, or send me a message. I’m always down to talk. :)

You all know what time it is. Say it with me:

Until next time, love, hugs, and inappropriate gestures. <3

I love you guys to all the moons and back.

-LO.

‘The Photographer’s Curator: Hugh Edwards at the Art Institute of Chicago’ Review: A Passionate Advocate Hugh Edwards helped steer the course of art photography during the mid-20th century. PreviousNext 1 of 15 Danny Lyon’s ‘Good By From Friends’ (November 1985 and August 1986, printed 1987) THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO Robert Frank’s ‘Rodeo, New York City’ (1955/56) © ROBERT FRANK/PACE/MACGILL GALLERY, NY Art Sinsabaugh’s ‘Midwest Landscape #4’ (1961) THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO Robert Riger’s ‘Racehorse: The Jockeys—Eddie Arcaro’ (c. 1957) THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO Marie Cosindas’s ‘Untitled’ (1967) THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO Artist unknown, ‘Untitled (Eight Atalanta Crewmen)’ (July 30, 1856) THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO Dennis Stock’s ‘Untitled (James Dean, Fairmont, Indiana)’ (1955) THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO Eliot Porter’s ‘Yellow Leaves and Asters, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico, September 20, 1950’ AMON CARTER MUSEUM, FORT WORTH, TEXAS/ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO Ann Treer’s ‘East of Tonopah, Nevada (Looking West)’ (1959) THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO Mathew B. Brady’s ‘Lieutenant General Scott, General-in-Chief, U.S. Army and Staff’ (1861) THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO Danny Lyon’s ‘Racer, Schererville, Indiana’ (1965) © DANNY LYON/MAGNUM PHOTOS/GAVIN BROWN’S ENTERPRISE, NY Henri Cartier-Bresson’s ‘Juvisy, France’ (1955, printed 1956) THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO Dennis Stock’s ‘Sonny Stitt at the Newport Festival’ (1957) THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO Robert Earl Wilson’s ‘Untitled’ (1956/62) THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO Bruce Davidson’s ‘Boy and Girl at Cigarette Vending Machine’ (1958) © BRUCE DAVIDSON/MAGNUM PHOTOS/ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO Danny Lyon’s ‘Good By From Friends’ (November 1985 and August 1986, printed 1987) THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO Robert Frank’s ‘Rodeo, New York City’ (1955/56) © ROBERT FRANK/PACE/MACGILL GALLERY, NY By Richard B. Woodward May 31, 2017 6:21 p.m. ET 3 COMMENTS Chicago The curator Hugh Edwards (1904-1986) left behind so sparse a paper trail that no one should be ashamed if his name draws a blank. He never published a book, or even a lengthy essay that anyone has found. His (uncollected) writings consist mainly of letters to artists, scattered reviews, and wall texts to the 75 exhibitions he mounted at the Art Institute of Chicago between 1959 and 1970. The Photographer’s Curator: Hugh Edwards at the Art Institute of Chicago Art Institute of Chicago Through Oct. 29 He was nonetheless among a handful of figures whose eye and principles steered the course of art photography during the mid-20th century. Along with Beaumont Newhall, and their younger colleagues Nathan Lyons, Van Deren Coke and John Szarkowski, Edwards was instrumental in encouraging photographers to forswear commercial or journalistic agendas and, instead, to capture unvarnished images of the world that reflected personal intuition. Among the many beneficiaries of his passionate advocacy were Robert Frank, Danny Lyon and Ray Metzker, all of whom had their first major one-person shows under his sponsorship. The scope of his discernment is splendidly documented in “The Photographer’s Curator: Hugh Edwards at the Art Institute of Chicago.” Roughly 200 prints of the more than 3,000 he collected for the department during his tenure are spread around the basement galleries, works by more than 70 artists that span the history of photography, from the daguerreotype to the 1960s. The range of his enthusiasms was wide and unorthodox. In his first five years on the job, he had shows on Alexander Gardner’s “Photographic Sketch Book of the War,” Lewis Hine’s delicate portraits of America’s working poor from the early 20th century, and Robert Riger’s brutal, thrilling pictures of pro football and horse racing. MORE ART REVIEWS Only Part of the ‘Guernica’ Story May 27, 2017 A Buoyant Biennale May 22, 2017 ‘Robert Rauschenberg: Among Friends’ Review: Played Well With Others May 18, 2017 In an era when group shows were the norm, Edwards devoted solo ones to Edward Weston, George Platt Lynes, Minor White, Dorothea Lange and Pirkle Jones, Imogen Cunningham, Frederick Sommer, Walker Evans, Eugène Atget and Thomas Eakins, among others. Most important of all, he identified nascent talent. Many of these young photographers later had substantial careers: Metzker, Bruce Davidson, Dennis Stock, Charles Harbutt, Marc Riboud, Art Sinsabaugh, Keith Smith, Mr. Frank, and Mr. Lyon. If Edwards and his era favored expressive black-and-white prints, such as those by New Yorkers David Vestal and his wife, Ann Treer, he also showcased early color by Eliot Porter, Charles Swedlund, and Marie Cosindas. As well as organizing this exhibition, Elizabeth Siegel, a curator in the AIC Department of Photographs, has also overseen a website where documents by and about Edwards throw light on his improbable life and career. Interviews with photographers ( Kenneth Josephson, Duane Michals, Mr. Frank, Mr. Lyon) describe their interactions with the curator. An affectionate essay by his successor, David Travis, adds further illuminating details, Born in Paducah, Ky., Edwards never earned more than a high-school diploma. He had arrived in Chicago to study classical piano and instead took a job in the AIC library upon its founding, in 1929. Stricken as a child with a bone and muscle disease, he walked on crutches for the rest of his life. To add to his handicaps, he also seems to have been gay—a professional obstacle in those years. (The issue is treated coyly in the show.) He worked for 30 years at the AIC, in the library, then in the Department of Prints and Drawings, before being named associate curator of photographs in 1959. David Heath’s ‘Hugh Edwards, Curator of Photography, The Chicago Art Institute’ (1964) PHOTO: THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO Despite his limited education, he was well-read in American, English and French literature. (The novels of Proust were a touchstone. We are told he burned his correspondence with Jean Genet. ) He was a good friend of Duke Ellington and had a massive collection of his records. (In a 1961 letter on the website, he asks “Duke” to “remember me to Billy Strayhorn, ” with whom he had discussed Baudelaire on a recent Chicago visit.) Like so many of the pioneering curators of photography, Edwards was a photographer himself. His collecting choices were guided by his own taste and convictions, and not by what was supposed to be important. One of the pleasures of the show is the chance to sample work that time has obscured, by Chicago street photographer Robert Earl Wilson, Italian postwar realist Enrico Sarsini, and Father Algimantas Kezys, S.J. Edwards exhibited Mr. Frank’s work in 1961 when the Swiss émigré was still widely attacked as an ingrate for his 1959 book, “The Americans,” which portrayed 1950s America in a bleak, grainy light. Edwards’ support was not forgotten by the artist. A vitrine holds a copy of the book on its reissue in 1969. On a blank page, Mr. Frank wrote: “For Hugh Edwards, First with gratitude and respect to help and encourage when it mattered (1958) and now with regrets not to see in print yr thoughts long before they became fashionable. Your friend, Robert.” I’m not sure that photography has ever been examined before through the eyes of one influential curator. If it can be done as instructively and artfully as it is here by Ms. Siegel and her team, I don’t see why this experiment shouldn’t be repeated at many museums. —Mr. Woodward is an arts critic in New York. Appeared in the June 1, 2017, print edition as 'A Passionate Advocate.'