Every community has its torchbearers — people whose strength, compassion, and authenticity light the way for others.
In Edmonton, one of those voices belongs to Scott Bryen — a respected leader, advocate, and mentor whose journey has helped shape the city’s queer and leather communities for more than four decades.
From the early days of organizing safe spaces for self-expression to building bridges between the leather, kink, and wider 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, Scott’s work has been rooted in visibility, respect, and belonging.
His story is one of courage — of challenging stereotypes, nurturing understanding, and ensuring that every person has a place to be fully themselves.
We celebrate Scott’s legacy — a legacy of community, education, and love — and the lasting mark he continues to leave on Edmonton’s evolving queer history.
This is Part Two of Scott’s story. For Part One please check out: https://yegqueerhistory.ca/scott-bryen-part-one
Additional Resources:
Tales2SLGBTQplus – Scott Bryen – Leather, Kink and Fetish
https://youtu.be/Gemfnqhixfs
Edmonton O Society – Scott Bryen – One Man’s Leather Journey
https://edmontonosociety.org/leather-journey-workshop/
Xtra Magazine – Mr Leather Edmonton 2003 not welcome in US
https://xtramagazine.com/power/mr-leather-edmonton-2003-not-welcome-in-us-20913
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.
