By Laísa Condé, The Merritt Herald
Reprinted with permission.
Quilchena resident Dara Jan Vink has been awarded the province’s Medal of Good Citizenship for her years of advocacy and leadership in creating safe, welcoming spaces for members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community across British Columbia.
Vink said the recognition came as a surprise.
“I didn’t even know the medal existed,” she recalled. “Then I learned that members of the Cornbury Society and others had written letters in support. I was quite surprised.”
Much of Vink’s work has been through the Cornbury Society, a peer support group for transgender people and cross-dressers.
She serves as president, helping members find acceptance, connection, and resources.
The group operates dinner meetings in the Lower Mainland and beyond, drawing attendees from across B.C. and Alberta.
The society provides a crucial lifeline for those navigating complex personal circumstances, from gender expression to family relationships.
Vink said members often come forward at vulnerable moments, sometimes facing marital breakdowns, depression, or even thoughts of suicide.
“We share our experiences, answer their questions, and give them a safe space—whether they come dressed or not,” she said.
“It helps people feel less alone and avoid putting themselves in risky situations.”
The gatherings are held in venues like restaurants with private rooms, members’ homes, and other welcoming spaces.
Vink and her team work to make it easier for people to attend, offering changing areas and even overnight accommodations for those travelling long distances.
Beyond the Cornbury Society, Vink is active in the broader 2SLGBTQI+ community.
She has been involved in Chilliwack Pride’s organizing committee, regularly attends events in New Westminster and Kamloops, and helps connect members with other local groups.
She says these networks often lead to lifelong friendships.
Her efforts extend well beyond the Lower Mainland, with outreach to communities like Penticton, Kelowna, and Victoria, ensuring those outside urban centres also have access to support.
For Vink, the work is about visibility, connection, and acceptance.
“Do what feels safe and be amongst friends,” she said. “People are so accepting—especially in B.C. and Canada—but so many of us are so scared we can’t make that first step. If you’ve got a friend, make that step together. The more you’re out there, the more acceptance comes.”
While the Cornbury Society has been the most influential part of her advocacy, Vink has also contributed to her local community in Quilchena, including helping organize and maintain connections for residents in the Stump Lake area and participating in the Merritt Pickleball Club.
Receiving the Medal of Good Citizenship, she said, was an affirmation of the journey she’s taken and the lives touched along the way.
“It’s been wonderful,” she said. “At one point, I could have destroyed it all, but I made that big step. This work has made me more of a person of consequence, and I’m glad I did it.”