Article content

It was a remarkable day for remembrance in Calgary.

Wearing a long black dress, black pumps and a wide-brimmed hat atop a head of brown curls, Mz. Rhonda made not just a statement, but history in Calgary this Remembrance Day.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Calgary drag queen lays wreath in remembrance of LGBTQ soldiers Back to video

Drag queen and gay rights activist Ron Eberly — known Friday as his alter-ego, Mz. Rhonda — laid down a rainbow wreath in honour of all the LGBTQ men and women who sacrificed their lives fighting for Canada.

It’s believed to be the first time that such a recognition has been given in Calgary.

Mz. Rhonda said the struggles facing everyday LGBTQ members are hard enough, but the threats of discrimination, bullying and even violence facing gay members in the military are unimaginable.

“These men and women who fought in those wars and were gay, they were under so much stress because they couldn’t be themselves,” Mz. Rhonda said. “I’m here to remember and celebrate all the lives that were given for our freedom.”

Eberly is an ordained pastor and has toured churches, schools and community organizations sharing personal stories and educating Calgarians about injustices against LGBTQ communities.

For more than a century, homosexuality was not only outlawed in the military, but was grounds for immediate, dishonourable discharge. While the ban on non-heterosexual soldiers was lifted in 1992, Mz. Rhonda said many are still forced to hide their orientation due to fear of persecution.

“The stigma is still there,” she added. “I hope this really makes people understand that we’re people, too.”

Among dozens of others, Mz. Rhonda laid her wreath beneath the cenotaph at Central Memorial Park Friday in honour of all the Canadian soldiers who fought for freedom and justice.