The Wild Drag Race is an event unique to the Gay Rodeo, which involves a 3-person team of a man and woman in costume, plus either a man or woman in drag. With the help of his/her teammates, the person in drag must try to mount a bucking steer after being released from the chute.

Deb Freeman of Morgan Hill, CA, is congratulated by friends after successfully roping her calf during the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, NV.

Crowns, sashes, and custom belt buckles are some of the awards doled out to the winners of the International Gay Rodeo Association's Royalty Contest. The titles of Mr., Ms., Miss, and MsTer are awarded after contestants successfully complete the interview, western wear, horsemanship, public presentation, and entertainment. The contest helps generate revenue for the IGRA.

Janine Pardee, of Orlando, FL, watches other contestants participate in Calf Roping at the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, NV.

Rodeo staff move the animals along for Chute Dogging, or Steer Wrestling, during the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, NV.

Janine Pardee of Orlando, FL, poses for a portrait before competing in the Chute Dogging event (also known as steer wrestling). Her fifth rodeo, Janine still sees herself as a rookie, "but one of the cool things about the gay rodeo is that you can get into it as a rookie. Unlike a traditional rodeo where you have to grow up on a ranch to participate, from a practical standpoint. A lot of us get into it later in life."

Rodeo staff move the animals along for Chute Dogging, or Steer Wrestling, during the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, NV.

Britany Davis, of Boulder City, NV, gets her horse, Kid, ready for practice at the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, NV. "Kid's really a barrel horse, so I don't know how we'll do in pole bending, but I thought I would come and have fun with it since we're close by."

Britany Davis, of Boulder City, NV, takes her horse Kid on a practice run of pole bending at the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, NV.

Amanda Kirkhuff and Clyde Petersen watch the Pole Bending event at the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, NV. Amanda grew up going to rodeos, but enjoys the open environment of gay rodeos. "You always see gay people at rodeos, but it's just unspoken, it's a homophobic space. The gender division is so much better here - the competitors are pretty evenly split."

Miss IGRA 2015 makes a lap around the arena during the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, NV.

Two contestants congratulate each other during the Mounted Breakaway Roping, in which one team member must rope a steer around the head, and the other must rope one of its back legs, while riding a horse.

David Lawson, dressed as Wonder Woman, embraces another contestant during the Wild Drag Race at the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, NV.

Frank, left, brushes some dust off MsTer IGRA 2015's jacket in between performances for the Royalty Competition.

Rebecca Tucker, a contestant for Miss IGRA 2015, waits backstage before performing a song and dance as part of the Royalty Competition at the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, NV.

Rebecca Tucker, a contestant for Miss IGRA 2015, performs a song and dance as part of the Royalty Competition at the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, NV.

Glitter, Bud Light and Bandannas are seen at the opening night of the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, NV.

Charlie, aka Preston, MsTer IGRA 2014, performs a song and dance routine at the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, NV. She started coming to the gay rodeo four years ago, but has been doing drag for nine years. Preston's song of choice was "She Thinks my Tractor's Sexy," by Kenny Chesney.

IGRA Vice President James Jenkins receives tips and greets audience members with a kiss during his performance at the Royalty Competition of the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, NV.

Clyde Petersen and Amanda Kirkhuff have drinks in the saloon at the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, NV. Clyde and Amanda traveled from Seattle, WA to attend the rodeo.

“Welcome, all you cowboys and cowgirls and those of you who haven’t decided yet,” a voice said over the rodeo loudspeaker. “I can promise you that this year’s rodeo finals will be fierce, fun and fabulous!”

This is one of the first clues that this isn’t just any rodeo. This is the scene of the World Gay Rodeo Finals, organized by the International Gay Rodeo Association, held this year Oct. 9-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to traditional rodeo events like steer riding, calf roping and barrel racing, this rodeo also has Steer Decorating, Goat Dressing and a Wild Drag Race.

Written and photographed for Mashable.