QT-Elders Project

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.

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.

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.”

Please click the image to read Aaron’s biography.

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.”

Please click the image to read Ellen’s biography.

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.”

Please click the image to read John’s biography.

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.”

Please click the image to read Ron’s biography.