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# Ron Byers: Community leader, Advocate, Public Speaker & Pride Promoter living life one day at a time

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://ronbyers.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Preserving Queer History CJSR 88.5FM](https://ronbyers.com/preserving-queer-history-cjsr-88-5fm/): June 24, 2026 CJSR 88.5 FM  Picking the brain of Edmonton historian Ron Byers on why it's vital to keep queer legacies alive and build on them in Edmonton and beyond. *He spoke at a 2026 Pride Month event at the University of Alberta, organized by the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).
- [Edmonton Pride: A community-driven celebration](https://ronbyers.com/edmonton-pride-a-community-driven-celebration/): Leah Hennig 
June 12, 206 Edmonton's Pride season sees over 100 events led by various groups and community organizations celebrating the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Leah Hennig from The Gateway Online sat down with Pride Promoter Ron Byers to talk about Pride celebrations.
- [Q&A: How Pride has changed over the years in Edmonton](https://ronbyers.com/qa-how-pride-has-changed-over-the-years-in-edmonton/): Katie Teeling · CBC News · Posted: Jun 07, 2026 6:00 AM MDT | Last Updated: June 7 A queer historian explains how Pride has evolved in Edmonton, and why it still matters 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.
- [Queer historian Ron Byers walks us through Edmonton’s history of Pride](https://ronbyers.com/queer-historian-ron-byers-walks-us-through-edmontons-history-of-pride/): Edmonton AM on CBC Radio Edmonton
with Tara McCarthy Aired: June 5, 2026 From protests to parades, Edmonton has celebrated Pride Month for the past 40 years. Ron Byers is a queer historian with Pride Edmonton.
- [It’s Edmonton Pride Month with Stacey Brotzel on 880 CHED](https://ronbyers.com/its-edmonton-pride-month-with-stacey-brotzel-on-880-ched/): Stacey Brotzel sites down with Pride Promoter and Queer Historian - Ron Byers, to chat about the need for Pride, coming out, and some of the events that are coming up.
- [Edmonton’s Pride Month starts this weekend 🏳️‍🌈](https://ronbyers.com/edmontons-pride-month-starts-this-weekend/): Local Pride Promoter with Pride Edmonton sits down with 880 CHED's Courtney Theriault on Friday May 30, 2026 to talk about Pride Month and the Pride festivities throughout the summer.
- [Pride in Edmonton seeks to amplify, not dictate](https://ronbyers.com/pride-in-edmonton-seeks-to-amplify-not-dictate/): Pride festivities in Edmonton are gathered from the bottom up, not dominated by one top-level organizer, says the curator and historian who collects those celebrations of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Colin Gallant/Taproot Edmonton “We’re very unique,” said Ron Byers of Pride Edmonton, which gathers and shares events from myriad organizers, great and small. “In most cities around the globe, they have one organization that celebrates Pride. It’s made up of a group of people from the community, they get together, they plan a weekend or a week of fun and activities, and it’s all focused around that.”
- [CBC Listen – Two long-time drag queens on their activism](https://ronbyers.com/cbc-listen-two-long-time-drag-queens-on-their-activism/): CBC Edmonton recently sat down with two of Edmonton's long time drag queens to talk about Alberta's oldest 2SLGBTQ+ organization - the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose.
- [Overcoming The Fear: HIV Stigma Among Healthcare Providers](https://ronbyers.com/overcoming-the-fear-hiv-stigma-among-healthcare-providers/): This Positive Effects blog post shares Ron’s experience as part of a Digital Storytelling project led by the United Voices of HIV Alberta. The project was supported by REACH Nexus through the Positive Actions initiative, which aims to reduce HIV stigma by empowering local teams across Canada to develop and lead community-driven stigma reduction projects.
- [King Charles III Coronation Medal](https://ronbyers.com/king-charles-iii-coronation-medal/): On September 20, 2024 HIV Edmonton and the Canadian AIDS Society nominated Ron Byers to be a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his contributions to the HIV/AIDS movement in Canada. On November 20, 2024 The Governor General of Canada awarded the medal to Ron Byers. The presentation ceremony will take place on June 26 2025 at Edmonton City Hall where recipients will be presented with their medals by Lieutenant Governor of Alberta - Salma Lakhani.
- [Edmonton’s overlooked queer history](https://ronbyers.com/edmontons-overlooked-queer-history/): Edmonton has a big place in Canada’s 2SLGBTQ+ history — but it doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. Now, there are people trying to change that. In recent years, projects highlighting Edmonton’s queer history and stories have gained traction, and there is work being done to preserve decades of activism and community for the next generation. Host Clare Bonnyman sits down with Ron Byers of the Rainbow Story Hub, to talk about Edmonton’s queer history and what’s so unique about our city’s story.
- [CBC RadioActive talks The Gay Straight Jacket](https://ronbyers.com/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.
- [Pride Month Kicks Off in Edmonton](https://ronbyers.com/pride-month-kicks-off-in-edmonton/): Pride Edmonton spokesperson Ron Byers says Pride Month is an opportunity to highlight the struggles and rights achieved by the LGBTQ+ community over the years . "It's an opportunity to share his journey ," he said, adding that when he came out as gay in 1968, he could have been jailed then, but not now". "It's a celebration of who we are as a community. It's a time to celebrate and party". A quote from Ron Byers , spokesperson for Pride Edmonton Read and listen to the Radio-Canada story here:
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2168857/mois-fierte-edmonton-lgbtq
- [Guide To The Summer of Pride 2025](https://ronbyers.com/guide-to-the-summer-of-pride-2025/): May 26, 2025 Dive into Edmonton's vibrant Summer of Pride Ron Byers' ultimate guide! With over 55 years of advocacy, Ron spotlights 50 events happening this June, from parades, parties, performances, and more. Celebrate love, unity, and community all season long in Edmonton.
- [We can’t define ourselves in basements](https://ronbyers.com/we-cant-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](https://ronbyers.com/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.
- [Evolution Wonderlounge gearing up for a ‘two gay bar summer’ with new location, owner says](https://ronbyers.com/evolution-wonderlounge-gearing-up-for-a-two-gay-bar-summer-with-new-location-owner-says/): Evolution Wonderlounge gearing up for a 'two gay bar summer' with new location, owner says.
Edmonton's only gay bar is going to be out and proud in a new Jasper Avenue location this spring.
- [Overcoming the fear](https://ronbyers.com/overcoming-the-fear/): The following story shares my experiences where HIV Stigma played a significant role in my medical care by practising family doctors.
- [This Morning with Stacey Brotzel on 880 CHED](https://ronbyers.com/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
- [Queer History Month kicks off in the City of Edmonton](https://ronbyers.com/queer-history-month-kicks-off-in-the-city-of-edmonton/): “Our queer history doesn’t just date back to the 60s when we started becoming more visible; it actually dates back centuries but our opportunities to start telling those stories have only begun recently,” said Ron Byers a queer historian. “Back in the 60s when I came out, it was illegal to be a gay man. I could have been thrown in jail and most of the young folks today don’t understand that,” said Byers.
- [Two Albertans appointed to Senate](https://ronbyers.com/two-albertans-appointed-to-senate/): August 31, 2024
- [Guide To The Summer of Pride 2024](https://ronbyers.com/guide-to-the-summer-of-pride-2024/): Every year, Edmonton celebrates the annual Summer Festival Season, which runs from May to the end of September. June is Pride Month, which has traditionally been when the 2SLGBTQIA+ community gathers in unity and spirit to celebrate. Pride celebrations are about honouring and affirming the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, commemorating the progress made in the fight for equal rights, and recognizing the ongoing challenges faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. Pride is also an opportunity for allies to show their support and solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, reinforcing the message that love, acceptance, and equality are universal values.
- [A Full Summer of Pride in Edmonton](https://ronbyers.com/a-full-summer-of-pride-in-edmonton/): Interview with Stacey Brotzel and Daryl McIntyre at 7:05 AM on May 30, 2024
- [Pride Month about to get underway in Alberta as provincial policies loom](https://ronbyers.com/pride-month-about-to-get-underway-in-alberta-as-provincial-policies-loom/): Ron Byers, promoter for Pride Edmonton, says the Alberta government has a chance to be part of the conversation. “The UCP government has an opportunity to be a part of our celebrations as a Pride community if they’re wiling to come to the table with open minds for frank, honest, truthful conversations.
- [How Edmonton’s first community archivist builds better records](https://ronbyers.com/how-edmontons-first-community-archivist-builds-better-records/): Edmonton created the community archivist position in part because queer historian Ron Byers lobbied the city to do so. He wanted records donated by Michael Phair, Alberta’s first out, gay politician, to enter the city’s official vault.
- [We Are Survivors – Backroom Chatter](https://ronbyers.com/we-are-survivors/): In this Premiere episode, non-other than Mr. Ron Byers, Rhoda B, long-time host of Drag Races and founding member of well, everything Gay in Edmonton, graciously donates time and powerful memories to make your host Michael McDonell, just sit in awe and wonder..
- [Explore Edmonton presents “SAY MORE”](https://ronbyers.com/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.
- [Guide to the Summer of Pride](https://ronbyers.com/guide-to-the-summer-of-pride/): 2023 will see the largest number of Pride events the Edmonton has ever seen for the Summer of Pride! Over 36 organizations have put together more than 75 events in three dozen different venues around the city.
- [Partying with Ike & Tina in 1976](https://ronbyers.com/partying-with-ike-tina-in-1976/): Seeing Tina Turner that night at the Edmonton Gardens in 1976 still remains one of the biggest highlights of my lifetime. I was a young 21 year old when I had a chance to “run away with the circus”. I was asked to join a traveling drag show called the Fantasy Follies as their sound and lighting technician. What a chance to go way past my shyness and fears and live in hotel rooms travelling across Canada with a group of amazing Drag performers.
- [Radio Active with Jessica Ng, Min Dhariwal – April 25, 2023: Iconic Edmonton club is the subject of a new documentary](https://ronbyers.com/radio-active-with-jessica-ng-min-dhariwal-april-25-2023-iconic-edmonton-club-is-the-subject-of-a-new-documentary/): We speak to Ron Byers a queer historian about the impact of the former Flashback bar in Edmonton.
- [Capturing And Sharing Edmonton’s Queer History](https://ronbyers.com/capturing-and-sharing-edmontons-queer-history/): This Powerpoint style presentation brings the story of the work that has been done to bring the history of the 2SLGBTQ+ community to life over the last 35+ years.
- [Guide to Pride Month in Edmonton](https://ronbyers.com/guide-to-pride-month-in-edmonton/): With many festivals taking a break for the last 2 years, Edmonton is once again ready to host some amazing events for the summer, and it all begins with Pride! Pride is a celebration of people coming together in unity, love, and friendship to show how far 2SLGBTQ+ rights have come and to recognize the impact that this important segment of our community has had on society locally, nationally and internationally.
- [From Hiding to Acceptance: Uncovering Edmonton’s Queer History](https://ronbyers.com/from-hiding-to-acceptance-uncovering-edmontons-queer-history/): “  I remember a time when there was no place in this town where I could go and come out as a gay man and have a beer with another gay man." — A quote from  Ron Byers, queer historian and founder of the Rainbow Story Hub
- [Edmonton’s Pride Celebration History](https://ronbyers.com/edmontons-pride-celebration-history/): Edmonton’s first recognized Pride event was a Picnic In The Park thought to be held at Camp Harris, home of the 49th Battalion, The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Association. It was attended by about 75 people in 1980 to bring awareness to our community and celebrate the decriminalization of homosexuality with a campfire, picnic and softball game.
- [Evolution of the Edmonton Queer History project hits the web and city streets](https://ronbyers.com/evolution-of-the-edmonton-queer-history-project-hits-the-web-and-city-streets/): https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/evolution-of-the-edmonton-queer-history-project-hits-the-web-and-city-streets
- [Aging with Pride — January 6, 2022](https://ronbyers.com/aging-with-pride-january-6-2022/): Ron will talk about local queer history and the clubs in Edmonton. He is a community leader and story teller. He is the founder of the Rainbow Story Hub / Edmonton Queer History program.
- [Fire destroys downtown building that housed Milla Pub, Club 70](https://ronbyers.com/fire-destroys-downtown-building-that-housed-milla-pub-club-70/): CTV News
- [When Drag Queens Became Charitable](https://ronbyers.com/when-drag-queens-became-charitable/): To call any of those who did drag as charitable… while in drag… would be stretching the truth. Known for their caustic wit, quick retorts and haughty gestures, raising money for anything charitable was almost non-existent. Then in 1984 reports that had been surfacing out of San Francisco and New York for the previous few years of a new “gay-related immune deficiency” (GRID), finally named by the CDC in the U.S. as AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), attracted the attention of the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose in Edmonton.
- [Leah Way and Ron Byers – The History of the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose – Part 1](https://ronbyers.com/leah-way-and-ron-byers/): The Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose chats with Tales of the LGBTQ+ on their history. Watch as Empress 14, 30 and 36, Heir Apparent to Nicole The Great - Leah Way and Emperor 25 and Co-Regent Emperor 29 Ron Byers talk about the beginnings of our Court and the first 20 years.
- [Out of the Closets & Into the Streets](https://ronbyers.com/out-of-the-closets-into-the-streets/): Most major cities have a neighbourhood that has clearly defined itself as the “gay” neighbourhood, an area where LGBTQ2S+ folks can build a community together while living, working, shopping, and eating at welcoming businesses. Toronto’s Church Street and Vancouver’s Davie Street are just two that come to mind. Edmonton breaks tradition by having not one but two gaybourhoods that have come together to form a community for LGBTQ2S+ Edmontonians.
- [Queer historian Ron Byers on the fortieth anniversary of the Pisces Spa bathhouse raid with J’Lyn Nye – 630 CHED](https://ronbyers.com/queer-historian-ron-byers-on-the-fortieth-anniversary-of-the-pisces-spa-bathhouse-raid-with-jlyn-nye-630-ched/): I chat with radio personality J'Lyn Nye from 630 CHED about the impacts and damage done to the gay community on the 40th anniversary of the Pisces Bathhouse raid by the Edmonton Police Service May 30, 1981. Catch the podcast at the link below.
- [40 years later, Edmonton’s queer community looks back on the Pisces bathhouse raid](https://ronbyers.com/40-years-later-edmontons-queer-community-looks-back-on-the-pisces-bathhouse-raid/): "They just did this raid in such a totally different manner from what they had done in previous raids in massage parlours, other common bawdy houses in the city, which were more straight-oriented," Byers said. 
- [Shattered lives’: A look at Edmonton police raid of Pisces Spa bathhouse four decades later](https://ronbyers.com/shattered-lives-a-look-at-edmonton-police-raid-of-pisces-spa-bathhouse-four-decades-later/): Four decades have passed since dozens of gay men were arrested during a raid at Edmonton’s Pisces Health Spa, charged and outed to the broader community, changing their lives completely.
- [40th anniversary of Pisces Health Spa raids – Edmonton Police Service](https://ronbyers.com/40th-anniversary-of-pisces-health-spa-raids-edmonton-police-service/): 2021 marks the 40th anniversary of the Pisces Health Spa bathhouse raids by the Edmonton Police Service (EPS).
- [« Intrusion et intimidation » : quand la police s’en prenait aux gais d’Edmonton](https://ronbyers.com/intrusion-et-intimidation-quand-la-police-sen-prenait-aux-gais-dedmonton/): https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1796889/descente-police-spa-gai-edmonton-pisces-lgbtq-michael-phair
- [Tales of the LGBTQ+ Interview](https://ronbyers.com/tales-of-the-lgbtq-interview/): In this podcast interview with Tales of the LGBTQ+ I talk about the early years of the AIDS epidemic in Edmonton and how the community reacted to the virus that was taking so many of our friends from us. I also share how I dealt with the deaths of many close to me and the lasting impact it had on me to this day.
- [The Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose, Part 1: The First Twenty-Five Years](https://ronbyers.com/the-imperial-sovereign-court-of-the-wild-rose-part-1-the-first-twenty-five-years/): https://citymuseumedmonton.ca/2020/11/18/the-imperial-sovereign-court-of-the-wild-rose-part-1-the-first-twenty-five-years/
- [List of Edmonton’s Gay Bars](https://ronbyers.com/list-of-edmontons-gay-bars/): https://citymuseumedmonton.ca/2020/10/09/list-of-edmontons-gay-bars/
- [History of Edmonton’s Gay Bars, Part 5: Into Today](https://ronbyers.com/history-of-edmontons-gay-bars-part-5-into-today/): https://citymuseumedmonton.ca/2020/10/09/history-of-gay-bars-in-edmonton-part-5-into-today/
- [History of Edmonton’s Gay Bars, Part 4: The Expanding Scene](https://ronbyers.com/history-of-edmontons-gay-bars-part-4-the-expanding-scene/): https://citymuseumedmonton.ca/2020/10/07/edmontons-gay-bars-part-4-the-expanding-scene/

## Pages
- [Ron Byers Resume](https://ronbyers.com/resume/): Community leader, operations manager, and queer historian with extensive experience spanning operations, community development, and public education. Over decades, have led teams, developed programs, managed events, and contributed to the documentation and preservation of 2SLGBTQ+ history in Edmonton. Known for combining operational discipline with community advocacy and storytelling. Work is primarily delivered through community-based, project-driven, and advisory roles.
- [On The Web](https://ronbyers.com/posts/)
- [About Ron Byers](https://ronbyers.com/about/): Queer Historian | Public Speaker | Pride Promoter
- [Home](https://ronbyers.com/): https://ronbyers.com/about/ https://ronbyers.com/resume/

## Categories
- [Edmonton Pride](https://ronbyers.com/category/pride/)
- [HIV](https://ronbyers.com/category/hiv/)
- [Queer Community](https://ronbyers.com/category/queer-community/)
- [Queer History](https://ronbyers.com/category/queer-history/)

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