DSS: Latest news
DSS news
… 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.
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!).
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.
“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 ]
“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 ]
“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 ]
“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 ]
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.