A struggling queer bar in small-town Massachusetts tried to drop its mask mandate for one night a week to stay afloat, and its own community responded with firebombing threats, accusations of eugenics, and a meeting that left the sole remaining owner in tears. The Last Ditch Bar in Greenfield, Massachusetts, opened in 2025 as a […] The post Massachusetts lesbian bar faces revolt after easing mask rules for a single night appeared first on American Almanac .
How did the bartender, identified as Mixxy, describe the ideological atmosphere at the bar?
Mixxy provided a glimpse of the atmosphere by declaring, "Gaga is canceled. Gaga is Zionist."
59e430a8-f532-46ca-a5af-77c47a2d59db
What is the business model of The Last Ditch Bar regarding financial assistance to patrons?
The bar's house rules stated that nobody would be barred from entry due to a lack of funds and that poor and unhoused people were welcome in the space.
2c34d6ec-5038-417e-b788-949c023e4b32
What personal struggles did Jackie Matellian disclose during the community meeting on September 11?
Matellian stated that she had been living in her car for six months and was working four jobs to keep the bar open, while also carrying a $50,000 business loan alone after her two co-founders quit.
db38c18f-c538-4d96-a979-634295c1d487
What were some of the negative reactions from the community following the announcement of mask-optional Saturday nights?
The community responded with accusations of eugenics, ableism, and racism, as well as threats of firebombing directed at the venue. One commenter specifically called the policy change a "mass disabling event."
4df9f17a-12f1-4499-9466-9682c6b557f7
A struggling queer bar in small-town Massachusetts tried to drop its mask mandate for one night a week to stay afloat, and its own community responded with firebombing threats, accusations of eugenics, and a meeting that left the sole remaining owner in tears. The Last Ditch Bar in Greenfield, Massachusetts, opened in 2025 as a self-described gathering place for "dykes, transsexuals, gender freaks, workers, and their friends." From day one, the basement bar required patrons to wear face masks at all times, even years after the federal government declared the COVID-19 pandemic over in 2023. The bar's website spelled out the rule in detail: "Masks are required when not actively taking a sip of your drink or taking a bite of a snack. Lower,…Open
