A pioneering talk radio host and the founder of the Sun Tavern, Joe Redburn created spaces—on the airwaves and on the dance floor—where queer Utahns could find one another, speak freely, and begin to imagine a public life together.

Appa-Go-Witch (1879-1955) was a tüvasa or “two-spirit” Ute community member who knew acceptance, joy, and love.

Learn about our organization’s namesake, a pioneering sexologist, gemologist, herpetologist, photographer, musician, and human.

In addition to the diverse histories highlighted in the beautiful markers on today’s Regent Street are stories of Queer and Trans lives. 

Kate Thomas (b. 1873) was a poet, playwright, yogi, and activist in early twentieth-century Utah. From an early age, she was instilled with a love for theater and the arts. Her father, R.K. Thomas, was a choreographer for a time at the Salt Lake Theater and eventually transformed a family barn into a small theater called The Barnacle. At The Barnacle, Thomas and her 12 siblings were often seen dancing, singing, and acting in small-scale shows under the hayloft.

“30 Utahns Greet Gay Train,” The Salt Lake Tribune (Salt Lake City, Utah), Friday 12 October 1979, page 28.