Queer youth and anti-racism activist who has helped conduct workshops for the Toronto District School Board that promote an atmosphere of tolerance and acceptance for gay and lesbian youth. Gay Men's Outreach Coordinator. He acted in the film Uncut (1997)

"I committed to the political, social and cultural developments that shape my community and I am especially moved to serve its members. For the past decade, I have devoted my academic, volunteer, professional and personal endeavours to the concerns of those who are more marginalized within our society. I believe the source of my motivation comes from my deeply rooted values in human rights, social justice and anti-oppression.

These values are verbs not nouns. They must be acted upon, injustices must be challenged, not tolerated. Tolerance is merely the expression of complicity. We all have the responsibility to know the difference and act accordingly."

(Elmer Bagares)

Portrait from the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives
by: Scott Turner, 2000, coloured pencil, 26.5 x 42cm (detail)