On Sunday, Feb. 22, Fresno LGBTQ+ community lost a true pioneer and a generous soul. Virgil Wigley, the 88-year-old founder of The Red Lantern and a cornerstone of local LGBTQ+ history, passed away suddenly.
For nearly 50 years, Virgil carried the weight of providing a sanctuary for our community. Opening a gay bar in 1976 took immense courage and vision. Because of his bravery during an era of intense social ridicule, spaces where people can be their authentic selves are possible today.
Virgil opened The Red Lantern on Maple and Belmont Avenues on Sept. 1, 1976. For decades, it has stood as Fresno’s oldest operating LGBTQ+ bar. Remarkably, Virgil once noted that despite the hostile climate of the 1970s and beyond, the bar never fell victim to hate crimes. He ensured it remained a true safe haven.
His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to creating inclusive environments didn’t stop there. Over the years, Virgil also owned other beloved local establishments, including:
The Palace, The Metro, The North Tower Circle and a local restaurant down the street from The Red Lantern
Virgil was instrumental in bringing LGBTQ+ visibility to Fresno. He proudly participated in the very first LGBTQ Pride Parade in the Tower District and earned the revered title of “King Father 1” in the Imperial Dove Court de Fresno.
Beyond his activism, Virgil was a man of quiet, boundless generosity. Co-owner Marcus Ramirez shared that Virgil had storage bins full of hundreds of “Thank You” plaques for his donations to colleges and local groups. He gave selflessly to the broader community, never asking for recognition in return.
He was also known for his fierce love of Fresno State. It was a common sight to see Virgil sporting a red Fresno State shirt and hat, always ready to cheer on the local teams at ball games.
Since his passing, an outpouring of love has flooded social media from patrons, fellow business owners, like Splash Fresno.
Many shared memories of finding refuge in his bars when the rest of the world was turning them away. Patrons thanked him for allowing them to live without judgment.
In a touching tribute, his granddaughter expressed deep gratitude for the community’s love. She noted that while Virgil kept much of his life private out of fear of disappointing his family, there was never a moment she or her mother were anything but incredibly proud of him and the life he built.
Members of the Imperial Dove Court and longtime friends gathered at The Red Lantern to celebrate a man who left an indelible stamp on the Central Valley.
While the loss of Virgil Wigley leaves a massive void, Marcus Ramirez plans to keep The Red Lantern operating.
As we continue the vital work of supporting LGBTQ+ youth and building a stronger, more united Fresno, we owe a profound debt of gratitude to trailblazers like Virgil. Rest in power, Virgil Wigley. Thank you for paving the way.
