Sara Ellen Dunlop
(? - February 1978) Canada
Singer, musician
Sara Ellen Dunlop, a Toronto lesbian, singer and personality, and a true force in women's music, was a founder of the original Mama Quilla band. In 1962, Sara was a co-creator and co-owner of the Maison de Lys/Music Room, a late-night unlicensed gay and lesbian club which hosted discussion groups. For the members of our community, the Music Room became a focal gathering place before any had dared to dream of gay pride or gay liberation.
She was very protective, and put her body on the line by blocking the entrance to gay and lesbian bashers; on one occasion, she fought a gang of motorcycle hoods who tried to trash the club. She was an early fighter for civil rights, an organizer, an entertainer and a fundraiser. Sara Ellen Dunlop died of cancer.
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