Wade Earp (R) competes in the calf-roping event at the International Gay Rodeo Association's "Rodeo In the Rock" in Little Rock, Arkansas. The state has been one of the frontlines in the battle between cultural conservatives and those seeking to expand rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
Lucy Nicholson/Reuters
A judge strolls the grounds of the "Rodeo In the Rock," which took place in late April in Little Rock, Arkansas. Contestants entered events such as barrel racing and bull riding, just as at any small-scale rodeo in the United States.
Wade Earp (R) and his husband, Jonathan Suder, attend the "Rodeo In the Rock" party. Arkansas, a Bible Belt state has a same-sex marriage ban on its books. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule in June whether to strike down bans on gay marriage nationwide.
Ouch! Todd Tramp tries to wrangle an ornery animal at the Arkansas' "Rodeo In the Rock".
Lucy Nicholson/Reuters
A woman rides in the International Gay Rodeo Association's Rodeo In the Rock in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States April 26, 2015.
A rodeo contests shows off his prize ribbons at at the International Gay Rodeo Association's "Rodeo In the Rock."
Gordon Satterly, from Michigan (L), kisses his husband, Richard Brand, from Texas, at Little Rock's "Rodeo in the Rock."
Equality t-shirts on sale at the International Gay Rodeo Association's "Rodeo in the Rock." The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule in June on whether to strike down bans on gay marriage nationwide.
Greg Smith prepares to wrestle a steer at the International Gay Rodeo Association's "Rodeo In the Rock" in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States April 26, 2015.
Gordon Satterly holds hands with his husband, Richard Brand, on the fairgrounds of Little Rock's "Rodeo in the Rock."
Kirk Carter (R) and his husband, Shawn Eddings, get their horses ready for Arkansas' "Rodeo in the Rock."
A golf cart with a "Princess parking only" sign gets pride of place at the International Gay Rodeo Association's "Rodeo In the Rock."
Lucy Nicholson/Reuters
A horse gets a hose bath at the International Gay Rodeo Association's "Rodeo In the Rock" in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Lucy Nicholson/Reuters
