Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ+ community is mourning the loss of Geraldine “Geri” Lupin, one of the original founders and owners of Blue Moon Bar, who died on Tuesday, July 26, 2026. She was a beloved community member whose generosity, humor, and unwavering support for LGBTQ+ people left an enduring mark on Pittsburgh.
In announcing her passing, Blue Moon remembered Geri as a renowned ballroom dance instructor, a passionate liberal, a dedicated local business owner, and, in her own words, a legendary Pittsburgh “fag hag.” Friends and patrons knew her for her larger-than-life personality, immaculate bright red hair, and her fierce commitment to the community she helped build.
According to the bar, Geri was the kind of person who quietly stepped up when others needed help—whether paying legal fees, offering a place to stay during difficult times, or supporting employees and friends through personal hardships. Her compassion and generosity helped make Blue Moon a chosen family for generations of LGBTQ+ Pittsburghers.
Geri was one of the driving forces behind Blue Moon when it opened in 2002, helping establish one of Pittsburgh’s longest-running LGBTQ+ gathering spaces.
Her memorial service will be held Friday, July 31 at 1 p.m. at D’Alessandro Funeral Home, 4522 Butler St. in Lawrenceville. To allow staff to attend and pay their respects, Blue Moon Bar will open one hour later than usual, at 6 p.m.
The bar encouraged the community to celebrate Geri’s life the way she would have wanted: by gathering together, raising a glass, and honoring the family she helped create.
“We love you, Geri! Thank you for all you’ve done to create the family we have at Blue Moon Bar,” the bar wrote in its tribute.
- Advertisement -
