This blog post shares Ron’s experience as part of a Digital Storytelling project led by the United Voices of HIV Alberta. The project was supported by REACH Nexus through the Positive Actions initiative, which aims to reduce HIV stigma by empowering local teams across Canada to develop and lead community-driven stigma reduction projects. To learn more about Positive Actions, click here.

“I am HIV positive, but I should not be feared.”

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My name is Ron Byers. I came out in 1968 at the age of 14. On April 20, 1998, I was diagnosed HIV positive with AIDS. By that time, I had already lost between 50 and 60 friends and acquaintances to complications related to HIV.

My journey has not been easy. One of the greatest challenges to my health has always been the medical system itself.

Many healthcare professionals feared me simply because I was living with HIV.

For 55+ years, I have been active in my community through working or volunteering at many community-based organizations in Edmonton. Unfortunately, many places that existed in the 90’s and early 2000’s are now gone except for the original – HIV Edmonton.

I am very fortunate to be able to share my lived experience as someone living with HIV. Also, as a queer historian based in Edmonton, I actively share the history of HIV – both the good and the bad.

I was drawn to the digital storytelling project led by the United Voices of HIV Alberta because I felt very strongly about the stigma I have faced in healthcare settings.

This story was a way to increase awareness that even at this moment, stigma still exists.

Despite training, there are still medical professionals who fear patients living with HIV. Through my story, I hope that they can move onto Overcoming the Fear.

This is my story:

Ron was inducted into Canada’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Wall of Honour in 2024 and was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025 for his work advancing HIV Awareness. You can learn more about Ron on his webpage and more about his work with the Rainbow Story Hub Foundation here.

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