Joe Redburn is remembered as one of the most influential pioneers of Utah’s LGBTQ+ movement, a man whose vision and courage helped lay the foundation for the community’s growth and visibility. Known affectionately as the “father of Utah’s LGBT community,” he opened spaces, hosted gatherings, and fought for acceptance during decades when being openly gay in Utah carried profound risks.

Born on November 17, 1938, in Laramie, Wyoming, Redburn attended the University of Wyoming and later served in the U.S. Army at Fort Riley, Kansas. After his service, he built a career in radio at Salt Lake’s KTKK, one of the nation’s first all-talk stations. Though he once identified as a Goldwater conservative, his experiences during the Vietnam era led him to support Eugene McCarthy and the anti-war movement, sparking a lifelong commitment to civil liberties and social justice.

On February 20, 1973, Redburn opened the Sun Tavern on the corner of 400 West and South Temple, transforming the former Railroad Exchange Saloon into one of the first openly gay bars in Salt Lake City. Defying expectations and stigma—he even insisted on keeping a visible sign out front—the Sun Tavern quickly became a vital safe haven where LGBTQ+ people could gather, celebrate, and organize. Over the years, he expanded the venue with the East Room, which many consider Utah’s first LGBTQ+ community center.

In 1977, Redburn hosted what is often regarded as Utah’s first Pride celebration: a kegger on the shores of the Great Salt Lake known as Bare Ass Beach. The following year, the gathering moved to City Creek Canyon, eventually evolving into the Utah Pride Festival as it exists today. Redburn’s leadership during this formative era was instrumental in creating traditions of visibility and solidarity that endure.

Throughout his career, he opened and operated multiple bars, including Bricks and The Trapp (now The Sun Trapp), which he ran for two decades. He became known for community-focused events like free steak fries, holiday gatherings, and annual luaus, ensuring that LGBTQ+ people always had a place to belong.

Redburn’s activism extended beyond nightlife. He served on the board of the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah, ran for the Utah Legislature, and was recognized with numerous honors, including the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire Community Service Award and the Utah Pride Dr. Kristin Ries Community Service Award.

Though his later years were marked by hardship, Redburn’s legacy remains deeply woven into Utah’s queer history. He gave countless people their first safe place to be themselves, to meet others, and to dream of a more open future.