An LGBTQ+ bar and drag show featuring Amanda Lepore was raided by police on Friday, May 2. The Advocate reported that P Town, a queer bar in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, received what they’re calling a “surprise inspection” reminiscent of the police raids that regularly occurred more than half a century ago including at Stonewall. About 20 State Police officers and undercover agents raided the unsuspecting queer bar around 11:30 p.m., “forcing patrons and staff to wait outside in the rain while they searched the building,” according to The Advocate.
P Town’s management has released a statement on Instagram stating that the raid was “part of an efforts to ensure establishments remain in compliance with (Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board) regulations. We completed renovations during the COVID shutdown and had been awaiting and updated permit from the city. We thought the delay was pandemic-related, but we will make a more proactive effort.”
Management explains that an updated license would increase their legal occupancy limit to reflect their renovated space created to accommodate more patrons. The bar’s legal limit is listed as 70 occupants despite about 130 attending the event. It’s not known who initiated the complaints against P Town that led to the raid. Officials and The City of Pittsburgh are working to determine the source. Attendees felt the queer bar was targeted in an act of prejudice over other establishments in the area who may have the same violations. Despite the tumult and frightening experience of the LGBTQ+ patrons, drag artist Indica says that once officers recognized Amanda Lepore, they asked to take pictures with her while inspecting the building.P Town bar in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania “It was an LCB (Liquor Control Board) raid taken to the extreme,” Indica tells QBurgh, a local LGBTQ+ publication. “We waited 30 minutes outside for them to inspect every crevice. Queer people banded together and showed we are so much stronger than an attempt to make us scared or comply with their rules.” Photos courtesy social media
