Giddy Up! This Queer Western ‘National Anthem’ Will Lasso Your Soul
Photographer Luke Gilford spent years documenting the vibrant queer rodeo scene. He grew up around rodeos in Colorado. He saw mainstream cowboy culture could be unwelcoming to LGBTQIA+ people. But Gilford found queer rodeos celebrated inclusivity.
Gilford’s 2020 book National Anthem featured his powerful photos of LGBTQIA+ ranchers and rodeo performers. Now, he’s made those images into a narrative film with the same name. The movie brings queer cowboy culture to life.
The movie follows Dylan, a New Mexico man working in construction. He gets a job at the House Of Splendor, a ranch run by queer folks. There, Dylan’s views on gender and masculinity are challenged. He tries new things like bull riding and drag.
Dylan falls for Sky, a trans woman dating the ranch owner, Pepe. Their relationship shows Dylan that love doesn’t have to fit traditions. Dylan learns to embrace his true self in this supportive queer community.
An Authentic Vision
Director Gilford says he aims to showcase “invisible queer bodies living their lives” in rural America. The strong cast includes trans actress Eve Lindley as Sky. National Anthem expands narrow ideas of what it means to be American and queer.
