Ron Dutton, a pioneering gay rights activist and historian who meticulously documented LGBTQ+ history in British Columbia, has died aged 74. His work preserved countless stories and artifacts that might otherwise have been lost.
Early life and activism
Born in 1952 in Vancouver, Dutton became involved in gay liberation activism in the early 1970s. He was a founding member of the Gay Alliance Toward Equality (GATE) and participated in the first Vancouver Pride parade in 1978. According to his friend and fellow activist John Armstrong, Dutton was a tireless organizer who believed in the power of community records.
The BC Gay and Lesbian Archives
In 1976, Dutton founded the BC Gay and Lesbian Archives, later renamed the Dutton Collection. Over four decades, he amassed over 20,000 items, including photographs, newsletters, correspondence, and ephemera. The collection is now housed at the University of British Columbia's Rare Books and Special Collections. Dutton once said, 'If we don't document our own history, no one else will.'
Recognition and legacy
Dutton received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for his contributions to preserving LGBTQ+ history. In 2016, he was inducted into the Q Hall of Fame. His work has been cited by scholars worldwide. Armstrong noted, 'Ron's archives are an invaluable resource for understanding the gay rights movement in Canada.'
Dutton is survived by his partner of 40 years, Michael. A celebration of his life will be held in Vancouver later this year.
