A lesbian bar in Massachusetts wanted to rescue its finances by making masks optional on Saturdays. This prompted accusations of discrimination and eugenics. Even the apology drew criticism.
Last Ditch Bar and Arts Venue in Greenfield opened in April 2025. The venue was intended, among other things, to be accessible to people with compromised immune systems. Guests were required to wear KN95 masks or better. When drinking, they were to lower the mask, take a sip and pull it back up again.
But the bills still had to be paid. The bar therefore decided to try Saturday evenings with optional masking in order to attract more guests.
The change was announced on Instagram in late August. At the same time, the bar stressed that events requiring masks would continue to be prioritised, and that a monthly social gathering with a mask requirement would continue, GO Magazine writes.
Wanted the bar firebombed
According to the Boston Globe, commenters accused the bar of discrimination against disabled people and eugenics. One wrote that they hoped the venue would be firebombed.
Two days later, the bar apologised for the tone of the announcement. Then came new accusations: The apology had been published as an image without alternative text for visually impaired people.
Behind the attempt to attract more customers lay strained finances. Fox News cites the Boston Globe as reporting that Jackie Matellian, who was still responsible for the day-to-day running of the bar, had a $50,000 loan, worked four jobs and had been living in her car for six months.
Support for the change as well
The reactions were not unanimous. GO Magazine reports both angry protests and guests who welcomed the relaxation.
One supporter pointed out that the bar often had few visitors: Such a meeting place cannot exist if people do not turn up.
A meeting in September did not resolve the conflict either. According to the magazine, the use of a white therapist to chair the meeting also became the subject of criticism.
Bar defends critic
In a follow-up on 24 September, the local newspaper Greenfield Recorder interviewed activist Soe Noire. He believes the coverage has placed too much emphasis on the most extreme reactions and too little on concerns about infection and vulnerable guests.
The bar itself has asked people to stop harassing Noire. It stresses that he did not want the venue to be firebombed and maintains that his statements have been misrepresented.
Meanwhile, the fundraising campaign to keep the doors open continues. The money is intended, among other things, to cover $3,900 in unpaid rent, wages, masks and an air purifier.
