2025 QT-Elder Sir John Taylor
Sir John Taylor (he/him)
John Taylor is originally from Kingston, Ontario, where he grew up in a challenging environment after his family lost everything in a fire. He came out early in life and his family did not take it easily. John soon realized that school was not for him, and the local theater became his safe space. He quickly realized that the theater was, and would be, an important part of his life. A career in acting evolved from there, taking him as far as the Edinburgh Festival in 1977.
John moved to Vancouver in 1978 and soon became extremely engaged with the Vancouver Gay Scene. The outbreak of HIV/AIDS brought John to a very challenging time in his life. Due to the devastation he experienced in his community, he became an activist and fundraiser with many organizations such as The Knights of Malta, Greater Vancouver Native Cultural Society, Rhinestone Phoenix Charity Foundation and Dogwood Monarchist Society.
After decades of trailblazing and fundraising for diverse causes, John was awarded Mr. Gay Vancouver in 2016 on his 70 th birthday! His new role gave John a new platform for community activism and fundraising.
Although John has faced many health challenges in his latter years, he is still going strong and recently performed a Pride fundraiser on June 23rd, 2025 at Haro Park (Seniors) Center.