Edmonton people who contributed to our history

Rainbow Story Hub

February 3, 2020
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History is always made by the actions of people. We look to celebrate some of these people here. From those well known to some who may never had been widely known we look to tell their stories. It took people like Paul Chisholm also known as Empress 1 Millie, Michael Phair, Edmonton City Councillor, Chevi Lee Rabbit, Trans activist, Murray Billet, Former Edmonton Police Commissioner, Corey Wyness, Sexual Health Education worker and so many more to advance the interests of the LGBTQ2S+ community in Edmonton and area.

Rainbow Story Hub

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Rainbow Story Hub brings the history of Edmonton's 2SLGBTQ+ community to life from the perspective of those who lived it. Through stories, videos and other media we hope to capture and preserve these stories from the people who lived them. These stories can then be used to inform, educate and enlighten not only our own community through GSA’s and hopefully one day school curriculum but also the greater community we live in today.

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Rob Browatzke – Part Two

Part Two: Rob Browatzke – Recovery and Evolution
In this second installment, Rob Browatzke reflects on his struggles with addiction and how it affected his work at Buddy’s, Down Under, and Boots. After the passing of the Boots Bar owner, he moved on to Prism Bar and the Junction Bar & Grill, eventually finding sobriety and a new sense of purpose. With support from his uncles, Rob helped launch Evolution Wonderlounge in 2013 — Edmonton’s premiere queer nightclub — and now shares how that legacy continues with the opening of EVO in the spring of 2025.

A powerful story of resilience, renewal, and the ongoing evolution of community.

People

Rainbow Story Hub
October 28, 2025
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3 minutes Read

Rob Browatzke – Part One

Part One: Rob Browatzke – Finding Community
In this first installment, Edmonton writer and community builder Rob Browatzke reflects on coming out in high school, his first night at The Roost nightclub, and the early challenges of finding acceptance. Rob shares stories of moving to Lethbridge for college and returning to Edmonton, where he worked at the Georgia Bathhouse, Down Under, Boots Bar, The Roost, and Buddy’s Niteclub. He also talks about his shift into community activism and media — from volunteering with the Gay Men’s Outreach Crew and Edmonton Pride Festival to helping launch Fresh Magazine after writing for Times.10.

A candid look at the spaces, people, and moments that helped shape one of Edmonton’s most enduring voices in queer culture.

Edmonton people who contributed to our history

Edmonton people who contributed to our history

Rainbow Story Hub

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Rob Browatzke – Part Two

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