May 13, 1970 -
IGRA# 5170
First attended a gay rodeo in 1993
Inducted 2022
One of the earliest memories Michael Roy Vrooman Jr. recalls is seeing his sister on horseback with his father. He thought, as any child might, "If my dad is a cowboy, then I must be one too!" Michael was born in Sonora, CA in 1970 to parents Peggy and Michael Vrooman Sr. Growing up along with his sister Christine in a split family environment from the age of 3 years old, Michael learned early how to overcome adversity and adapt to change. He actively developed an outgoing, optimistic, kind, comedic, resourceful, friendly and hardworking personality that continues to define the man Michael is today.
Michael grew up in various communities in California and South Dakota. He has always been active and had a strongly competitive spirit. Growing up, he was a competitive swimmer, High School State Champion and College Cheerleader, active in theater, a member of All State Choir, on the Student Council and in the Air Force Jr. Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). Michael attended South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, as well as Black Hills State University.
Although he knew he was gay at 13 and came out at 18, it wasn't until 1993 at age 23, when he arrived in Denver and stepped into Charlie's Bar for the first time, that Michael found his home. Walking in to find men dancing with men and women dancing with women at a Colorado Gay Rodeo Association (CGRA) Dance Competition forever changed his life.
Michael's joy in live singing performance drew him quickly to the gay rodeo Royalty program within IGRA. Joining CGRA in 1993, Michael competed for the Royalty Title of Mr. CGRA 1994. He placed 1st Runner-Up after only living in Denver for a few months. His naturally competitive nature and the persistence instilled in him as a child pushed him to compete again the following year. Michael became Mr. CGRA 1995 and captured the title of Mr. IGRA 1996. Always working just as hard behind the scenes as onstage, Michael served 3 terms as CGRA Parliamentarian, was the Co-Rodeo Director for Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo (RMRR) in 1995, a rodeo contestant and avid fundraiser throughout the Colorado communities. During his step down from the title of Mr. IGRA 1996 at the IGRA Finals Rodeo in Albuquerque, NM, Michael created the IGRA "Spirit Stick." The Spirit Stick is a traveling award to be given annually by the outgoing IGRA Royalty Team to an IGRA Member Association for its contributions to local and International royalty programs. It recognizes the incorporation of IGRA's overall spirit and understanding of rodeo organizational unity to accomplish positive promotion, involvement and success. The first Member Association recipient was the Arizona Gay Rodeo Association (AGRA), and the tradition continues today.
Being involved in rodeo was satisfying, but Michael always wanted to do more for those in need. Active in the Charlie's Bar "Man of the Month" program, he became Charlie's "Man of the Year - Denver" in 1996.
Growing up in Colorado, Michael realized "there is not another group in our gay culture that is more family-minded than rodeo." So strong was his feeling that when faced with a job transfer with United Airlines in 1998, he chose to move to Chicago, in part because it would allow him to stay involved in rodeo.
After joining the Illinois Gay Rodeo Association (ILGRA), Michael quickly assisted with its royalty program. Soon after, the association requested him to run for an ILGRA Royalty title. Michael was apprehensive and did not want to impact the legacy from his previous CGRA royalty success, but he ultimately agreed to take on the challenge. His drag alter ego, Harley Quinn, was created, and he subsequently won the title of Miss ILGRA 1999 and captured the title of Miss IGRA 2000. For 18 years, Michael was the only person to have achieved both the Mr. and Miss IGRA titles.
Michael served as a 3-Time Vice President of ILGRA, coaching a successful run of candidates on the IGRA level and serving on multiple committees for the Windy City Rodeo. One of the biggest honors was being named a Grand Marshal of ILGRA's "Windy City Rodeo" in 2001. Michael also continued to stay involved in the Charlie's "Man of the Month" program; he was named Charlie's "Man of the Year - Chicago" in 2000.
Continuing to embrace his own diversity, Michael ran for and became "Mr. Triangle Leather 2004" and fulfilled a goal of competing on the International Mr. Leather (IML) stage in May 2004.
Moving back to Denver, grounded in rodeo and still having a desire to continue to serve his community, Michael became active in the International Court of the Rocky Mountain Empire (ICRME) in Denver. The ICRME is one Court within the International Court System (ICS). Michael became the 33rd Community Elected Emperor of Denver, CO. In all his experiences, Michael has always maintained the belief that "it is not the crown and sash that make one royal, but the feeling achieved through doing noble deeds and works for others. That is the meaning of royalty." Serving on the ICS Council and as "Heir Apparent," Michael wrote the official accord bonding the ICS and IGRA in fundraising, outreach and education, which recognized the decades-long relationship and history between the two International Organizations. Queen Mother of the Americas, Nicole the Great, signed the document in a ceremony in April 2008.
Showing activism through volunteering, Michael served as an announcer for the Denver Pridefest Parade at the capitol stands for 13 years (2006-2018). He also has produced and hosted several award winning cabaret shows for over 2 decades including VIVID at Charlie's Denver.
Michael served as Assistant Rodeo Director for Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo (RMRR) 35 and 36 (2018-2019). He was also honored to be named as Grand Marshal of RMRR 35. In 2019, Michael achieved the title of Mr. Gay Pride of All Colorado. He wanted to serve one more year and end his reign on a high note, but the Covid-19 pandemic created other plans, and his reign was extended for 3 years until 2022.
For over 3 decades, Michael has raised or been involved in raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities, causes and individuals in need. Serving as Producer and Stage Director for the annual Miss Colorado America and Colorado's Outstanding Teen Competitions in Parker, CO keeps this cowboy busy, along with traveling the globe as a flight attendant.
Michael has been shaped by all his experiences as a competitor, director, leader, mentor, fundraiser, volunteer, activist, performer, traveler and friend. He is forever grateful for this rodeo family.