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
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
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
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
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
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
‘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.
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
The following story shares my experiences where HIV Stigma played a significant role in my medical care by practising family […]
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
“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
August 31, 2024 Global News with Jaclyn Kucey Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced two Albertans have been appointed to […]
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 […]
A Full Summer of Pride in Edmonton
A Full Summer of Pride in Edmonton – A Vibrant & Inclusive Experience for 2SLGBTQIA+ Folks Interview with Stacey Brotzel […]
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
Edmonton created the community archivist position in part because queer historian Ron Byers lobbied the city to do so. He […]
We Are Survivors – Backroom Chatter
We Are Survivors – Backroom Chatter Podcast In this Premiere episode, non-other than Mr. Ron Byers, Rhoda B, long-time host […]
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
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
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
We speak to Ron Byers a queer historian about the impact of the former Flashback bar in Edmonton. Radio Active […]
Capturing And Sharing Edmonton’s Queer History
This Powerpoint style presentation brings the story of the work that has been done to bring the history of the […]
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 […]
From Hiding to Acceptance: Uncovering Edmonton’s 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