Gay Igloo Recipient - June 2010 - Michelle Dubarry

"Hand on hip, one thigh forward ... a lady through and through"

A gay icon in and around Toronto's famous Church Street, the heart of the gay village. Most clubs in the village have one time or another hosted her and her fabulous drag act. She is well known across Canada and has even been an honorary parade marshall for Toronto's Pride Parade.

Michelle DuBarry was born Russel Alldread on November 23, 1931 in agricultural Bowmanville, Ontario just east of Toronto. The youngest of three children born to a father who was a blacksmith and a mother who was a nurse. In 1939 his boy soprano version of Cobbler, Cobbler Mend my Shoe won him first prize at the Port Hope Music Festival. This was the start of a lifetime on or near the stage with occasional brief absences selling shoes (a secret passion - the love of shoes).

Michelle Dubarry was part of the famous drag troupe, "The Imposters" and has never looked back since that first show in Fort Erie, Ontario. Even now at over 70 years of age she still is seen in the village winning the hearts of an entire new generation. An energetic supporter of GLBTQ causes for years she is tireless in her determination. If she can help out a cause like the 519 on Church or similiar she is there, just ask.

Thank you Ms. Dubarry you are indeed a lady with heart!

Heather Bishop on far right (with members of Rainbow Chorus Waterloo Wellington Ontario) at Unison Winnipeg 2010 ...

Gay Igloo Recipient - June 2010 "Heather Bishop"

Order of Canada and Order of Manitoba Recipient, GLBTQ rights activist, recording artist, and all round great person. Manitoba's Heather Bishop is a force to be reckoned with. More than deserving to be nominated as a Gay Igloo recipient for June 2010. Recently met Heather at Unison 2010 in Winnipeg. She was an inspiring and uplifting key note speaker at the Unison banquet and recognized at one of the Unison concerts as one of Manitoba's "Fabulous Firsts".

Gay Igloo Recipients - June 2010 "Shelley Secrett" and "Thom Ryan"

Both loyal supporters and giving volunteers representing the GLBTQ community in Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge. For as long as I can remember Shelley Secrett and Thom Ryan have been the spirit behind Tri-Pride. Their enthusiasm is contagious and inspiring. Without their efforts and continued support Tri-Pride would not be what it is today. On behalf of the GLBTQ community we thank you, Shelley and Thom!

Gay Igloo Recipient - June 2010 "Seamus O'Regan"

Seamus O'Regan Canada AM anchor is now officially out. The news wires in Canada have been buzzing with the latest news on Seamus and his partner, Steve Doss. Congratulations to Seamus on taking this brave step. Appreciated by the GLBTQ community. The community is pleased to have such a public figure on our "team". Hoping you use your voice to help support GLBTQ causes in the GTA and across Canada. Just to let you know we are behind you 100%.