Pittsburgh gay bar cancels drag event after blackface controversy and death threats
Microphone Stands Ready on Stage in Dimly Lit Bar (Envato)
A Pittsburgh LGBTQ+ bar has cancelled one of its upcoming Open Stage events after receiving death threats following a controversial drag performance that appeared to involve blackface.
Blue Moon Bar, a queer venue in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighbourhood, said on Wednesday (30 September) that it had called off that evening’s Open Stage because of the volume of threats directed at the business.
The cancellation came days after photographs from a 23 September Open Stage performance circulated online, appearing to show a drag performer wearing black makeup on their face as part of a character portrayal.
In a statement shared on Facebook, Blue Moon said it was receiving “too many death threats for us to feel comfortable putting on the show this evening”.
The venue said it hoped to resume the Open Stage the following week.
The initial incident prompted widespread criticism from members of Pittsburgh’s Black and LGBTQ+ communities, while the performer, event hosts and bar management have all apologised.
What happened at Blue Moon Bar?
The performance took place during Blue Moon’s weekly Open Stage Wednesday on September 23. According to the bar, management was not present at the time, and two guest hosts who do not normally host the show oversaw the event.
Management said it did not become aware of the performance until almost a week later, after photographs began circulating.
“We’re amazed we even have to say this… but blackface is not OK!” the bar wrote in its initial apology on 29 September.
The venue said it was “blindsided” by what happened and had spoken to people who witnessed the performance and the hosts before issuing its statement.
“We know that this new performer didn’t intend to cause such harm with their performance, but unfortunately that is what has happened,” management wrote.
The bar nevertheless accepted responsibility for what occurred at its venue, saying: “Whatever the intent, blackface is racist and harmful and it is never acceptable.”
Alongside the statement, Blue Moon posted a photograph of a sign in its performer preparation area explicitly prohibiting “performances based on race, ethnicity, or nationality” when the depiction is not the performer’s own identity.
Management also said it would improve the screening of performances at the Wednesday Open Stage and make clear to both performers and audiences that racially offensive performances would not be tolerated.
The Open Stage has reportedly been running at Blue Moon for 14 years.
Black LGBTQ+ advocates call for greater accountability
Ciora Thomas, founder and executive director of SisTers PGH, a Black- and trans-led organisation supporting people of colour, trans and nonbinary people in southwestern Pennsylvania, criticised the fact that the performance was allowed to continue in a statement to QBurgh on 30 September.
Thomas said the performance should have been stopped as soon as it began. “Cut the music. Cut the cameras,” Thomas said. “The performer should not have made it through a full set while people entertained it.”
Thomas also described that they felt the incident reflected what she described as a longstanding problem with discrimination against Black people within LGBTQ+ spaces.
“I was disgusted but not surprised,” Thomas said.
“When you hear these kind of things, what are you going to do next? What’s your next action? Show us what it’s going to be when racism shows up in the bar.”
“How this person was even allowed to step onstage wearing this is beyond me,” local Black LGBTQ+ activist Chauntey MoNique wrote in a comment on Facebook, alleging the performer wore black makeup to imitate Hexxus from FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992).
The two hosts of the 23 September open stage also issued apologies. Brayden Butter wrote that they and their co-host “failed” to make a quick decision, adding: “Blackface references cross [a line], regardless of intent,” and said they will take “a long break” from co-hosting because they lack “the quick thinking and responsibility necessary for that environment.” Co-host Catty Wampus apologised too, writing: “It should have been put to a stop at first sight…”
The performer also apologised in a statement dated 28 September, writing: “My attempt for accuracy in a cosplay caused an egregious error that resulted in harm to a community I love and care for… Intent does not matter when it comes to the effects of what’s been done.”
Similar rows have played out in LGBTQ+ nightlife before, including when gay clubs issued apologies for allowing racist drag shows with queens in blackface in 2021.
