Q&A: How Pride has changed over the years in Edmonton

A queer historian explains how Pride has evolved in Edmonton, and why it still matters

Katie Teeling · CBC News · Posted: Jun 07, 2026 6:00 AM MDT | Last Updated: June 7

From protests to parades, Edmonton has celebrated Pride for the past 40 years. 

Ron Byers, a queer historian and Pride promoter with Pride Edmonton, spoke to CBC’s Edmonton AM on Friday to go through the history of these celebrations and why they’re still important. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.