“I never thought I’d still be here to tell this story — but maybe that’s exactly why I need to.”
In Part Two of this biographical series, Edmonton’s Ron Byers continues his remarkable journey — one defined by survival, advocacy, and the power of storytelling to build community and preserve memory.
As the AIDS crisis deepened through the 1980s and 1990s, Ron witnessed the loss of countless friends and community members. Then, in 1998, he himself was diagnosed with AIDS, facing both the stigma and the steep challenges that came with navigating a medical system often unprepared — and at times unwilling — to meet the needs of those living with HIV. Through it all, Ron’s resilience and determination became acts of quiet defiance and hope.
Decades later, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ron once again turned to storytelling — this time through writing. He began contributing to the Edmonton City as Museum Project, documenting the History of the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose and the History of Gay Bars in Edmonton. Those projects inspired the creation of his own non-profit foundation, the Rainbow Story Hub, dedicated to preserving and amplifying Edmonton’s 2SLGBTQ+ history.
His work soon caught the attention of Explore Edmonton, who invited him to author the Guide to Pride in Edmonton. That collaboration sparked the founding of Pride Edmonton, reviving local Pride initiatives and connecting community organizations across the city.
Building on these partnerships, Ron worked with Explore Edmonton and other community leaders to raise awareness of Queer History Month, ensuring that Edmonton’s queer stories were celebrated and remembered. His commitment to advocacy and visibility also led him to join a team developing Edmonton’s bid to host the 2030 Gay Games — a project that showcased the city’s inclusive spirit on an international stage.
Today, Ron reflects with gratitude on the journey that brought him here — from survival to storytelling, from activism to recognition. His contributions have been celebrated with numerous honours, including being named a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his service to community and culture.
Part Two celebrates Ron’s ongoing legacy: a story of perseverance, creativity, and the enduring belief that by telling our stories, we make it possible for others to tell theirs.
Additional Resources:
Ron Byers – Personal Website
https://ronbyers.com/about/
Explore Edmonton – In Edmonton, game changers live here — and they come here to play.
https://exploreedmonton.com/thisisthegame
CBC Radio Edmonton – Edmonton’s overlooked queer history
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/audio/9.6801052
Edmonton City As Museum Project – Author Ron Byers
https://citymuseumedmonton.ca/author/ron-byers/
Edmonton City As Museum Project – Q&A with 2020 Story Contributors Ron Byers & Rob Browatzke
https://citymuseumedmonton.ca/blog/qa-with-2020-story-contributors-ron-byers-rob-browatzke/
The Governor General of Canada – King Charles III Coronation Medal
https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/5431-159299
Edmonton Journal – ‘Shattered lives’: A look at Edmonton police raid of Pisces Spa bathhouse four decades later
https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/shattered-lives-a-look-at-edmonton-police-raid-of-pisces-spa-bathhouse-four-decades-later
Dustin Scott talks Queer History Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjZlP_BEQ5g
Tales2SLGBTQplus – Leah Way and Ron Byers – The History of the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose – Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10Sd0nMs-2A
Edmonton Pride Seniors Group – Ron Byers — Local Queer History & the Clubs in Edmonton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IKuq6xxPFg
The Positive Effec+ – Overcoming The Fear: HIV Stigma Among Healthcare Providers
https://www.positiveeffect.org/blog/overcoming-the-fear-hiv-stigma-among-healthcare-providers
Rainbow Story Hub
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.
