Full Breakdown
Blackface Performance Sparks Outcry at Pittsburgh’s Blue Moon Bar
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
During the weekly Open Stage on September 23, a new drag performer at Blue Moon Bar in Lawrenceville wore dark makeup intended to depict Hexxus, the villain from the 1992 animated film *FernGully: The Last Rainforest*. Observers identified the makeup as blackface—a historically racist practice that caricatures Black people. The bar’s management was not present, and two guest hosts oversaw the show. Photographs of the performance circulated online, prompting immediate backlash from Black and LGBTQ+ community members.
Background & Context
Blue Moon Bar, located at 5115 Butler Street, has hosted an Open Stage night for 14 years and is noted for launching nationally recognized drag artists. The venue operates under Pittsburgh’s Chapter 659 public-accommodation ordinance, which prohibits discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The city also enacted the CROWN Act in 2020, extending anti-discrimination protections to traits historically associated with race.
Timeline
- September 23 – Blackface-style performance occurs during Open Stage.
- September 28 – The performer issues a written apology, acknowledging the harm caused.
- September 29 – Blue Moon Bar posts an apology on Facebook, stating “blackface is not OK” and accepting responsibility.
- September 30 – The venue cancels the scheduled Open Stage, citing “too many death threats” received.
Data & Statistics
- Open Stage has run for 14 years at Blue Moon Bar.
- The bar reported receiving “too many death threats” that led to the cancellation of the September 30 show.
- No name of the performer has been publicly released; the individual removed their Instagram account after the incident.
Official Statements & Responses
Guest hosts Brayden Butter and Catty Wampus each posted apologies, acknowledging their failure to intervene and indicating that Butter will take an extended break from co-hosting.
Criticism & Opposition
Ciora Thomas, founder and executive director of the Black- and trans-led nonprofit SisTers PGH, condemned the bar’s delayed response, urging staff to “cut the music. cut the cameras” the moment the performance began. She described the incident as “disgusting but not surprising,” reflecting a broader pattern of racial exclusion in queer nightlife.
Leia Way LeStat, a Black LGBTQ+ drag artist, expressed that “being a Black person is hard in this country. Being a Black person is even harder in this city,” underscoring the additional burdens faced by Black performers in Pittsburgh’s scene.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Cut the music. Cut the cameras,” — Ciora Thomas
- “Being a Black person is hard in this country. Being a Black person is even harder in this city,” — Leia Way LeStat
- “I was disgusted but not surprised,” — Ciora Thomas
What’s Next
Blue Moon Bar indicated plans to resume the Open Stage once safety measures stabilize, including stricter vetting of performers and reinforced signage. Community advocates continue to call for systemic changes to prevent future racist incidents in LGBTQ+ venues.