A Call To Action: Red Onion Saloon

To Whom It May Concern,

This letter is written out of love for our community and concern for a place that has long held significance for many people in Skagway. Our intention is never to divide, but to call for accountability, transparency, and a renewed commitment to the values of inclusion and safety that the Red Onion Saloon has historically represented.

Since its construction in 1897, the Red Onion Saloon built its identity and business around the real lives of women and other marginalized people whose voices were often overlooked or erased. Beyond the jokes and stories, this establishment has since been used to amplify these individuals’ experiences and raise awareness of related issues in the modern day. This has traditionally been done through charity events, sponsorships, and community gatherings. 

Until June 20, 2025, that support included a simple Pride flag displayed publicly within the establishment. A symbol of safety, acceptance, and belonging for LGBTQ+ community members and visitors alike.

Immediately after the flags were removed, the change was noticed by the staff, local residents, and guests alike. Rumors spread throughout town of said flags being stolen or concerns of a local hate crime. Employees were later told the flag was removed because it was "too political," despite the reality that the history presented within and the very existence of the Red Onion’s brothel museum are inherently tied to political and social issues. Another explanation given was that the Pride flags were not historically accurate. This logic was called into question on July 4, 2025, when modern American flags featuring fifty stars were placed throughout the building. 

The narrative later shifted towards assurances that the Red Onion Saloon would make improvements in the future, referring to 2026. Yet as of June 14, 2026, no Pride flags are displayed at the Red Onion Saloon. The only acknowledgment of Pride has been a silent, private sponsorship of a single local event. Employees and community members who have raised concerns report feeling targeted and harassed through vague threats and aggressive language. This has caused many to feel profited from once again, creating the perception that the business is willing to benefit from Pride-related revenue while withholding visible public support for the LGBTQ+ community.

At a time when LGBTQ+ people continue to face documented hate crimes, rising reports of anti-LGBTQ+ hostility, discrimination, harassment, violence, and disproportionately high rates of mental health struggles and suicide, this silence can no longer be mistaken for neutrality. Instead, it is increasingly being recognized as negligence and a failure of public accountability. Public symbols of inclusion matter. They communicate who is welcome, who is valued, and who is safe.

To the public: We denounce support of the Red Onion Saloon, as well as its Friday, June 26, 2026 “Pride Dance Night,” until responsible action has been taken to address these concerns.

To Tracy LaBarge and the Red Onion Saloon: We call for a public apology, a clear public affirmation of support for the LGBTQ+ community, and permission for Pride flags to once again be displayed within the establishment. These actions would help restore trust and reaffirm the Red Onion Saloon as a place where all people are welcome and free from discrimination. 

Please sign and share our petition here.

We also invite community members to share personal stories either publicly or anonymously about the importance of the Red Onion Saloon to the LGBTQ+ community and why visible support matters.

Together, our voices can ensure that inclusion is not merely implied, but demonstrated.