The gay rodeos are just as much a social function as they are a sporting event. With associations in 25 different states, the nations capital and two provinces in Canada, the International Gay Rodeo Association is the second largest rodeo organization in the United States of America. Gay rodeos ascent can be paralleled with the recent and ever growing love affair of the gay community with the country-western lifestyle. The rodeos are a mix of a action packed rodeo with all the traditional events and a social gathering that celebrates the gay community. Some of the contestants are considered world class athletes who also participate in the so called straight rodeos. Attendance is increasing each year at the rodeos and over a million dollars each year in profits are donated to various different gay charities like AIDS organizations and for breast cancer research.