Local Bar Faces Backlash Over Mask Policy
A chapter of the Communist Party in Massachusetts criticized The Boston Globe on Thursday for its coverage of a lesbian bar that recently faced backlash over its decision to lift mask mandates for one night a week.
The Boston Globe reported on Last Ditch, a lesbian bar in Greenfield, Massachusetts. The establishment stirred up controversy after announcing that Saturdays would be mask-optional, prompting community outrage that included accusations of ableism and calls for boycotts.
The Western Massachusetts CPUSA made a statement on social media and its website showing support for “the queer and transgender people of our region facing heightened national scrutiny.” They claimed that the Globe aligned itself with “MAGA Media,” accusing it of siding with corporate interests after endorsing Rep. Seth Moulton, who has faced criticism for his stance on transgender rights.
The statement described the article about the Greenfield bar as “not newsworthy,” arguing that its significance was only apparent given the upcoming midterm elections, during which transgender rights have become a central issue.
“The Western Massachusetts CPUSA rejects the use of conflicts among LGBTQIA+ people and organizations as a tool of division by the extreme right,” the statement continued, reaffirming solidarity with those opposing violence against transgender individuals.
In response, Adam Bagni, the director of communications at The Boston Globe, asserted the publication’s commitment to fair and accurate reporting, emphasizing its local ownership and editorial independence.
Critics of Last Ditch accused the owners of jeopardizing the safety of disabled individuals and likened the policy change to a harmful attack. Some commenters on social media expressed extreme anger, with one suggesting that the venue should be firebombed for its decisions and others sharing similar sentiments about the dangers posed to vulnerable groups.
This situation unfolds years after the COVID-19 pandemic was deemed over. Most businesses and local governments have since lifted mask mandates, and Greenfield has not reported a COVID-19 case in quite some time, according to The Globe.
The backlash came as Last Ditch was contending with financial struggles, which, interestingly, includes an unusual business model aimed at inclusivity, like ensuring no one is turned away for financial reasons.
In their initial announcement about making Saturday nights mask-optional, Last Ditch expressed empathy towards immunocompromised individuals. Yet, they later issued an apology for their tone, acknowledging the complex intersections of differing needs within their community.
On Thursday, the bar expressed its discontent with the Globe’s reporting on Instagram, labeling it “abysmal journalism.” They also appealed for donations, highlighting the financial challenges of operating the venue, which is run by volunteers, as they seek to prioritize community over profit.
