CBC RadioActive talks The Gay Straight Jacket

June 11, 2025

In 1981, the Pisces Health Spa in Edmonton was raided by Edmonton police, who arrested 60 gay men. It’s believed to be the largest mass arrest in the history of Alberta. This week, in honour of Pride, Metro Cinema is screening a CBC documentary from that year, called The Gay Straight Jacket. Ron Byers was a staff member at the Pisces but was not arrested that night. Now, he is a queer historian in Edmonton with the Rainbow Story Hub.

We can’t define ourselves in basements

‘We can’t define ourselves in basements’: Popular Edmonton gay bar moving to Jasper Avenue

“This will be the first time that we’ve been so will be so visible in a structure that’s big and prominent and welcoming. We can’t define ourselves in basements or on second floors hidden away because we‘ve had to hide over the years,”

Edmonton to have 2 LGBTQ bars this summer as Evolution Wonderlounge begins move

For the first time in nearly a decade, Edmonton will have two gay bars this summer.

Evolution Wonderlounge will open a new location on Jasper Avenue and 115 Street, as its downtown location on 103 Street near 102 Avenue winds down operations.

Ron Byers, director of Rainbow Story Hub, says opening a queer bar on street level is a significant milestone.

“Most of them have been down in the basement or up on the second floor. Very few have been main floor. Part of that is because of the fear of being found out,” Byers said.

This Morning with Stacey Brotzel on 880 CHED

Had a chat with Stacey Brotzel on the Edmonton Gay Games Bid for the 2030 Gay Games. Sadly we did not make it into the top 3 but we will back to rebuilding our Bid for the 2034 Gay Games. You can view the Bid video on Explore Edmonton’s website here….
https://exploreedmonton.com/edmontongaygames

Explore Edmonton presents “SAY MORE”

Explore Edmonton presents “SAY MORE”
Immerse yourself in the unique journeys of Edmonton’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community leaders, storytellers, and business owners. Their voices inspire change and foster inclusivity. Don’t miss this inspiring documentary short created in partnership with Cory Johnn Films.