National Anthem

Growing up in Colorado with his father as a Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association, Luke Gilford spent his formative years around rodeo, a environment has often been associated with conservatism and homophobia. It is only more Later, when he discovered the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA), which he began to consider himself part of a rodeo family. IGRA is the association uniting the LGBTQ+ cowboy and cowgirl communities in North America: Queer rodeo brings together participants from rural areas from all over America for structured educational programs and competitions. Gilford spent more than four years traveling the country to document this diverse and ever-evolving subculture. Made in medium format and Printed in a traditional darkroom, the work is detailed and rich in emotions and colors. The resulting photographs are both personal and poetic – clear testimonies of the intimate relationship of Gilford with the community, celebrating the diversity and beauty of families chosen all over the world. This revised edition, with previously unpublished images, is published on the occasion of the film adaptation of National Anthem in 2024.