Edmonton Queer History
Edmonton Queer History
Ron ByersReverend Charles Bidwell, PhD was an ordained minister with the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) in Edmonton beginning in 1978 and was active in advocating for the LGBT community
Michael PhairAn ‘out’ Lesbian in the 1980’s, Maureen Irwin was considered fierce and to be reckoned with! At a time when there were very few members of Edmonton’s queer community who were out, Maureen was a strong proud mother, grandmother and Lesbian!
Within the queer community Maureen became an active volunteer assisting GATE (Gay Alliance Toward Equality) as it moved and set up an office and services in the downtown. She also actively worked with and assisted Womonspace, a Lesbian volunteer organization.
Dustin ScottIn this audio podcast Episode Dustin talks with Rainbow Story Hub founder Ron Byers in Part Two. Topics featured in this episode are:
The origins of the Pride Festival in Edmonton and the impacts of the Stonewall riots. What is was like to be a gay man in the 80’s when the HIV virus first came on the scene. The origins of the AIDS Network of Edmonton and its transition to HIV Edmonton. His own struggles as a long term AIDS Survivor and the health challenges he faces. How drag queens and the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose stepped up to the challenges of raising money for AIDS research and patient care at a time when government funding was non-existent.
Ron ByersPride is the most visible symbol of the global movement for 2SLGBTQ+ equality, celebrating progress, affirming the existence of 2SLGBTQ+ people, and demanding recognition of their basic human rights.
Pride celebrations are individual and different in every country around the world and many are structured on their individual histories. Change happens at different speeds and degrees and is often done at local levels. Pride is a reflection of each community individually.
Rod E. Mc ConnellThis is a collection of short clips of the Edmonton Pride Parade recorded on June 13, 2009. Thanks to Rod McConnell for copyright permissions for including in our video catalogue.
Rod E. Mc ConnellThis is a collection of short clips of the Edmonton Pride Parade recorded on June 15, 2003. Thanks to Rod McConnell for copyright permissions for including in our video catalogue. Remember to click SUBSCRIBE to follow our channel!
Rod E. Mc ConnellThis is a collection of short clips of the Edmonton Pride Parade recorded on June 16, 2001. Thanks to Rod McConnell for copyright permissions for including in our video catalogue. Remember to click SUBSCRIBE to follow our channel!
Rod E. Mc ConnellThe Edmonton Pride Parade Films
2001 to 2014
The Edmonton Pride Parade is one of THE events in Edmonton during the summer and many people look forward to attending. Over the years it has developed into a “must see” event on the Edmonton scene. This unique parade, the largest between Toronto and Vancouver, now contains a wealth of colourful floats of all varieties accompanied by throngs of people of greatly varied backgrounds united to advertise their social concerns, specific interests, businesses, religions, etc.. They are also there to express their feelings and concerns about being LGBTQ2S in this society. The parade has also seen its share of protesters but on a very limited scale.
