Saddles and Solidarity on Queer Horse-Tok
As we celebrate the vibrant, diverse, and ever-evolving LGBTQIA+ community this Pride Month, we’re also spotlighting voices that challenge the expected and ride proudly into new territory. This week, we’re thrilled to welcome guest contributor Numa.
From Numa:
It’s the evening after the presidential election and the big cattle ranch owners up the road throw a big cookout party as many Americans celebrate a win. Others turn to the internet looking for a community that will value their lives without asking them to hide or change who they are.
Since rural areas skew conservative, it’s not uncommon for equestrians with queer identities and/or left-leaning politics to feel like outcasts. Even at times when I’m protected by the usual assumption that I’m a conservative straight woman, invisibility can be lonely.
That evening, like many others, I let my retired horse graze and opened TikTok. I was met with one horse owner after another sharing videos of their horses set to trending soundbites that expressed their concerns over the current political climate. The message was clear: “We are not alone.” Following the trend, I found new accounts to follow, and a few found me.
For those who may not yet have braved the TikTok algorithm, it is known for its uncanny insight. Users with niche hobbies and rare medical conditions often discover content that tells them things they didn’t know about themselves prior to joining the app. Some discover a passion for finding cool rocks, others learn that they are gay — or why not both? (See queer geologist @Dykanite.)
When I belatedly joined the app in 2023, it didn’t take me long to end up on ‘horse-tok,’ the corner of the app where horse owners from around the world share their passion for all things equestrian. There you will find ranch hands sharing cleaning tips, barrel racers setting records, jumpers taking perilous falls, and nervous horses squaring up against rubber chickens. I was on queer TikTok too, naturally, but never expected the two to overlap.
Beckoning newcomers through the open door of queer horse-tok you’re likely to meet Canadian creator Gemma, aka @that.blue.roan. In her most viral video, (source) she rides bridleless and bareback at a gallop along the roadside while holding a pride flag high — a stunt she repeats with progressively larger (and more progressive) flags. In other videos, Gemma advocates for the rights of transgender people or dances with her girlfriend. On one video of her horse licking the camera the caption reads, “This horse licks gay people. He knows.” Thousands of likes suggest that either she’s right about her horse’s unique talent, or the algorithm really knows its stuff. (source)
@that.blue.roan
Another herald of queer horse-tok is the gay horse, Jeepers, whose wedding to fellow gelding ‘RJ’ streamed live on TikTok in 2022 — to the delight of their queer fans. (source) Jeepers’ owner, @yeehawllywood, identifies in their bio as a, “Cowbutch who spends TV paychecks on horses,” and uses any pronouns. Beyond the funny horse marriage, they are active in the social justice scene. Recently they appeared with Jeepers at the LA protests against I.C.E. raids. In another video captioned, “I am chased out of women’s restrooms,” she shines a light on the difficulties of confronting discrimination. (source) A top comment reads, “You are such a beacon of light for queer horse people [heart emoji] never stop doing what you do we love you [pride flag emoji].”
@yeehawllywood HAPPY 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO JEEPERS
Hundreds of equestrian creators continue to share casual videos of their day-to-day barn routines, peppered with their stance on queer rights and other political topics. Their hope is clear: That the people who share their views will find them through the algorithm and offer support and solidarity. “I am in friendly territory,” reads a comment on one such video (source).
Some, like Georgia (@horsegirlgazzette), take things farther by starting a podcast and building an audience. The Horse Girl Gazzetteer blends barn talk with heartfelt conversations about identity and belonging. Her most recent guest is none other than Gemma, so it looks like it’s time for me to crack open a beer, climb a fence, get on my horse, and set out across the pasture in good company.
If you’ve taken a break from barn chores and stumbled across Gemma, Jeepers, or any other queer equestrian creators while scrolling TikTok, happy pride!
Go riding.
Numa is a digital artist and ranch-working hobo. Follow them on Bluesky @paintedparrott.
