A surprise inspection by authorities interrupted a drag performance headlined by trans icon Amanda Lepore at an LGBTQ+ venue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, prompting criticism and concern from patrons and community members.
The venue, P Town on Baum Boulevard, was raided late on Friday evening (2 May) during its Another Party Pittsburgh event. According to local LGBTQ+ outlet Q Burgh, approximately 20 officials, comprising members of the state police, local fire department, and city health department, arrived around 11.30pm as drag performer Blade Matthews was mid-performance with Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. Due to the song’s length, officials waited before instructing attendees and performers to exit for a compliance inspection.
Drag host Indica described the event as “an LCB raid taken to the extreme,” noting that dozens of guests were left standing in the rain for 30 minutes as authorities “inspected every crevice.” Drawing parallels to historic raids on queer venues, Indica led the displaced crowd in an impromptu a cappella rendition of Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club to uplift spirits.
“Queer people banded together and showed we are so much stronger than an attempt to make us scared or comply with their rules,” Indica told Q Burgh.
One attendee, who asked to remain anonymous, called the experience “jarring” in this day and age. “Dozens of state police, geared up with bulletproof vests, flooded the bar and told us to get out. None of the officers would explain what was happening,” they said. “We stood in the rain for maybe 30 minutes or so… they really just overtook this queer space with an entire fleet of police to ‘count heads’ or whatever their excuse was.”
In a surreal twist, some officers reportedly asked Amanda Lepore for a photo while patrons remained outside.
Following the incident, P Town issued a statement via social media acknowledging the inspection as part of efforts to comply with Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) regulations. They admitted the inspection revealed areas needing improvement and reaffirmed their commitment to compliance.
“Regarding our occupancy limit—many of you know we completed renovations during the COVID shutdown and had been awaiting an updated permit from the city,” the statement read. “We thought the delay was pandemic-related… If there are any architects or professionals experienced in permitting or code compliance willing to assist, your support would be immensely appreciated.”
While the inspection caught staff off guard, the venue praised their team for remaining calm. “We want to reaffirm our commitment to making P Town a vibrant, inclusive, and safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and everyone who joins us. This has always been—and will always be—our top priority.”
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey addressed the growing backlash, acknowledging the painful legacy of past police raids on queer spaces. “It was not so long ago that police raids on gay bars were routine,” he said, referencing the Stonewall Inn raid that sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Gainey confirmed that the inspection was prompted by a report to the city’s Bureau of Fire regarding overcrowding. Inspectors reportedly found 133 people inside a space permitted for 70 and noted several additional violations.
“As Mayor, I want to ensure that patrons are not exposed to risk,” he stated. “However, we need to be thoughtful about the fear that the sudden appearance of multiple armed officers can cause.”
He assured the public that Acting Police Chief Martin Devine and Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt would review the incident and the broader practices of the Nuisance Bar Task Force (NBTF). The goal, Gainey said, is to avoid situations that retraumatise marginalised communities and prevent the misuse of complaints to target vulnerable groups.
“I take personal responsibility for ensuring that our City Services are equitable,” Gainey added. “We will continue to work to build trust and prioritise the safety of our most marginalised residents.”
