DSS: Latest news
DSS: Recent news
Are you a 2SLGBTQIA+ older adult living in Vancouver who could use some support?
… Or, do you know one?
Join Dignity Seniors Society's We Are Familee: Rainbow Circle
program and receive social visits and support from one of
our trained volunteers! Contact: volunteer@dignityseniors.org
Dignity Seniors Society (DSS) is very pleased to announce its new program collaboration with West End Seniors’ Network (WESN).
With the generous support of United Way BC (read their June 2025 story about us here), DSS has launched its Rainbow Circle program - which aims to complement WESN's existing programs in Vancouver's West End and Coal Harbour areas.
Our Rainbow Circle volunteers are 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, fully trained and supported by DSS and WESN to work with our communities' older adults 55+ to help them stay at home longer.
If you, or anyone you know, would like to take part in this program, please contact DSS or WESN and ask to connect with the Rainbow Circle.
DSS: tel: 778-535-3260 | email: volunteer@dignityseniors.org
WESN: tel: 604-669-5051 | email: info@wesn.ca
Poster - please share!
DSS is dedicated to affecting systemic change that creates culturally appropriate services for 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors across British Columbia.
DSS gratefully acknowledges funding generously provided by
Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program
United Way British Columbia
Dignity Seniors Society gratefully acknowledges that we live and work on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples - the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Our 2025 QT-Elders!
It is with great pride that Dignity Seniors Society announces the QT-Elders for 2025. Identified through community nominations, these four outstanding individuals further demonstrate the profound impacts that elders have had on enriching and safeguarding 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
What better way to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Revolution on June 28th than to honour our QT-Elders?
The goal of the QT-Elders Project is to identify, honour and celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ elders in British Columbia. These are individuals who have contributed to the flourishing of our communities through their leadership, altruism, and courage.
Link to social media poster (thanks Barb!).
Meet our 2025 QT-Elders
Some may be familiar to you, but all are deserving of our respect and thanks.
Each QT-Elder was asked to provide a personalized statement on what being an elder means to them. We hope you find their stories to be powerful, humbling and inspirational.
Please visit our 2025 QT-Elders web page for more information.
Aaron Devor
“For me, being an elder is about having lived long enough to have made, and seen, lots of mistakes, and to have gained some wisdom by learning from them.” [ bio ]
Ellen Woodsworth
“As a QT-Elder, I reflect on all that our queer intersectional movements have fought for and achieved. I believe it is critical that we continue like Chris Morrissey did with all our strength and wisdom to join together for a world for all, standing up to the rise of the far-right.” [ bio ]
Sir John Taylor
“It is important to stay visible in the community and work as a mentor and teacher for young people who are coming out in these challenging times. Being active and visible is key for me, bridging young people to seniors is extremely important for mutual learning. Preparing our new leaders is the goal.” [ bio ]
Ron Dutton
“While my commitment to our queer community remains intense as I age, my perspective has shifted: I can now identify historical patterns as they repeat, old ideas and political strategies that resurface in new forms, changes in how information is delivered, the persistence of ignorance and hate, and can spot uniquely new emerging trends and creative community initiatives. Collectively, we are a lively, ever-evolving bunch that keeps me engaged, excited ... and young.” [ bio ]
DSS Summer/Pride 2025 Newsletter
Our Summer 2025 Newsletter has dropped! 🥳
Please enjoy, give us your feedback, and share freely.
Have a safe and happy Pride, everyone - from all of us here at Dignity Seniors Society! 🏳️⚧️ 🏳️🌈
Click here to browse our previous editions.
BCCPA’s Pride post recognizes DSS and our work! 🥳 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️
“With June being Pride month, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA | EngAgeBC) celebrates older adults in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and recognizes both the achievements they have made, and the barriers they continue to face. … [link to post]
“Dignity Seniors Society can help support service providers to provide better culturally appropriate services and spaces for members of the 2LGBTQIA+ community. They can help through training, but also provide some resources, including:
“Through our (BCCPA) Route65.ca platform, operators can indicate that they are 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive. In addition, BCCPA’s Aging with Pride page also includes many resources that can help organizations strengthen 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusivity or help support clients. These include information and referral organizations, resources for operators, as well as resources for 2SLGBTQI+ people and their families.
“From all of us at BCCPA, Happy Pride Month!” 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️
DSS's "We Are Familee" project highlighted by United Way BC
First, DSS extends a belated Happy B.C. Seniors' Week - honoring the wisdom, strength, and contributions of older adults across British Columbia! 🥳 🙏
In October 2002 a proclamation was declared in perpetuity that the first week of June every year shall be known as "Seniors' Week." This is a time to celebrate seniors and their many contributions - providing an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the integral part seniors play in communities across British Columbia.
In 2025 Seniors' Week runs June 01 - 07.
On the DSS front ...
DSS supports 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors’ to aging in place via our Aging In Place program, and in long-term care facilitates via our We Are Familee program (both programs employ a Rainbow Circle model, in which we match 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors with trained, 2SLGBTQIA+ volunteers). [Learn more about DSS's projects here.]
Our work was highlighted in the following article
[United Way BC, 2025-Jun-04] Finding Community Again: John's Story. After facing cancer, poverty, and isolation, John found hope and community through a United Way BC Healthy Aging funded program. His story is a powerful reminder of how connection, compassion, and culturally safe support can transform lives. [link]
That heart-warming and inspiring story features Dignity Seniors Society (DSS) and our We Are Familee pilot project!
DSS Board Chair Darren Usher also presented this work at United Way British Columbia's Project Impact Healthy Aging Showcase, held 2025-Jun-04 the Collingwood Neighbourhood House Annex in Vancouver.
This inspiring event shone a spotlight on the incredible work of community agencies participating in Project Impact - a transformative evaluation course that challenges leaders in the Community-Based Seniors' Services (CBSS) sector to evaluate and measure their program impact. After months of training and evaluation, our dedicated partners (including DSS! 🥳) shared their journey, insights, and learnings.
[United Way BC, 2025-Jun-04] United Way BC's Project Impact Healthy Aging enhances seniors' wellbeing. Empowering Non-profit Agencies to Improve Services for Seniors Across BC. [link]
Presenting agencies:
Castlegar & District Community ServicesCedar Grove Church
COSCO - Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations
Dignity Seniors Society
Lower Similkameen Community Services Society
Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society
Sunshine Coast Resource Centre