Brendan Roy and Ron Byers
See the YouTube link below to watch the interview.
In Part Two Michael Phair talks about working with his late friend Maureen Irwin and many others as the met with the Alberta Human Rights Commission in their attempt to get rights for the LGBTQ+ community included as protections as the refusal by the Province of Alberta Government to add protections at that time.
His advocacy and a chance to work with Mayoral candidate Jan Reimer then led him to his first campaign for City Councillor, which he won in 1992, to the surprise of him and many others and despite the local media portraying him as the “gay” candidate. As part of the campaign he even had an entry in that years “Silly Summer Parade” asking for the public to give him “A Phair Shake”.
As this was going on he joined a dedicate crew helping local teacher Delwin Vriend, who had been fired from his job as a teacher because he was gay. Though Michael’s role was small it, nonetheless, was important as the legal case made its way to the Supreme Court of Canada, where years later would enshrine rights for the LGBTQ+ community in Canada’s Charter of Rights.
He also talks about the introduction of Same Sex benefits to the City Of Edmonton employees as part of the Union bargaining processes and then doing the same with Epcor as it was being transformed to a municipally owned corporation.
Even with the ongoing struggles with the Province of Alberta and protected rights for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community Michael still finds time to lead the Edmonton Pride Seniors Group to establish the first Queer Seniors Housing project which will open in the coming years.
Bonus feature:
We digitized Michael Phair’s 2001 campaign flyer and are delighted to present it here:
Download for viewing https://yegqueerhistory.ca/wp-content/uploads/Michael-Phair-2001-PAGES.pdf
Additional Resources:
The Individual’s Rights Protection Act and the LGBTQ Community
by David Lee
https://yegqueerhistory.ca/the-individuals-rights-protection-act-and-the-lgbtq-community/
A STUDY OF DISCRIMINATION BASED ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION
by David Lee, Trevor H Edwards, Mary Crunkleton
https://yegqueerhistory.ca/a-study-of-discrimination-based-on-sexual-orientation/
The Facts in the Case of D. Vriend
by RSH Researcher
https://yegqueerhistory.ca/the-facts-in-the-case-of-d-vriend/
Maureen Irwin – Fierce Lesbian
by Michael Phair
https://yegqueerhistory.ca/maureen-irwin-fierce-lesbian/
Legislative Assembly of Alberta
Edmonton Queer History Project
https://www.edmontonqueerhistoryproject.ca/alberta-legislature
Edmonton City Hall
Edmonton Queer History Project
https://www.edmontonqueerhistoryproject.ca/edmonton-city-hall
Funding for this story made possible by the Edmonton Heritage Council and the City of Edmonton
Brendan Roy
With over a decade of experience, my artistic journey has been one of continuous evolution and passion. It all began with a fascination for capturing moments—starting with sports and creative portraiture during my high school years. By 15, I took on my first wedding shoot, and by 17, I moved to Edmonton to study Photographic Technology at NAIT. This formal training sharpened my technical expertise while deepening my appreciation for the art and craft of visual storytelling.
Since then, I’ve built a thriving photo and video production company in Edmonton. My style is dynamic, blending cinematic aesthetics, warmth, mood, and vibrant colors. I draw inspiration from the timeless allure of classic film processing and the compelling narratives found in National Geographic and Vogue. Through my work, I strive to create images and films that feel both intimate and impactful.
As an entrepreneur, I wear many hats—excelling not just as a photographer, but also in roles such as set styling, storyboarding, location scouting, and coordinating timelines. With my company capturing over 40 weddings each year, I’ve developed a knack for orchestrating seamless collaborations between my team, clients, and vendors, ensuring each project is a thoughtfully crafted masterpiece.
In recent years, I’ve expanded our offerings to include video production, allowing me to explore new dimensions of visual storytelling. Working closely with my talented team, I’ve embraced the art of integrating movement and sound, bringing stories to life in more expressive and emotive ways.
One of my most meaningful projects has been Drag.Jpeg, which allowed me to document Edmonton’s vibrant drag community. This experience transformed my artistic perspective, deepening my connection to the city’s rich cultural landscape. It solidified my commitment to celebrating diversity and sharing stories that resonate deeply with the heart.
Outside of work, I find joy in nurturing my favorite things—plants, aquascaping, and collaborating with others to create something beautiful. I’m grateful for every opportunity to tell a story, and I look forward to capturing the essence of each new connection I make.
Ron Byers
Ron Byers is a community leader and storyteller. Decades of work in Edmonton’s non-profit sector have given him an extensive resume of service as well as a unique viewpoint on our city and its history.
He has left his mark with many groups such as the Alberta’s oldest 2SLGBTQ+ organization the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose where he was a Founding Member, the Pride Centre of Edmonton as part of developing its Aging With Pride Program and the Edmonton Pride Seniors Group. He also worked with the Edmonton Heritage Council and its Edmonton City As Museum Project (ECAMP) to bring stories of our Queer history to the public space. Ron also helped develop and monitor the Harm Reduction Program, PeerNPeer managed by the Queer & Trans Health Collective – QTHC (formerly Edmonton Men’s Health Collective).
He is also a positive speaker for HIV Edmonton, founder of Pride Edmonton and Rainbow Story Hub and the Cultural Events Lead for the 2030 Gay Games Bid Committee.
Kyler Chittick
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