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!