Controversy Surrounds Massachusetts Lesbian Bar After Lifting Mask Mandate

A lesbian bar in Greenfield, Massachusetts, is facing community criticism after it decided to lift its mask mandate for one night a week. This decision has led to accusations of ableism and calls for a boycott against the struggling establishment.

Last Ditch Bar and Arts Venue, in an attempt to improve business, removed its mask requirement on Saturdays. However, some from the local queer community have expressed their objections to this change, as reported by The Boston Globe.

Critics have accused the bar’s owners of endangering disabled individuals. Some reactions compared the change to a “mass disabling event” or labeled it as a “eugenicist attack.” For instance, one commenter expressed extreme outrage, suggesting violence against the venue due to its decision to prioritize revenue over the safety of immunocompromised patrons.

“People like you kill disabled people in the name of your own leisure and convenience,” echoed another frustrated voice online. A third user suggested the bar should acknowledge its complicity in harming vulnerable populations, while someone else questioned whether COVID doesn’t affect people on Saturday nights.

Interestingly, this backlash comes years after the federal government declared the COVID-19 pandemic over in 2023. By that time, many state and local authorities had already lifted mask requirements, and it’s worth noting that Greenfield hadn’t reported a COVID-19 case for over two months.

The bar has experienced notably low attendance during what are typically busy Saturday nights, with some disgruntled patrons directly calling for a boycott. The venue had implemented the mask mandate as part of an effort to make it accessible to all, particularly disabled and immunocompromised individuals.

This policy required patrons to wear masks unless they were eating or drinking. Yet, financial strain led the owners to make this difficult choice to ease restrictions on mask use in hopes of increasing revenue. Jackie Matellian, the remaining active owner, has faced significant challenges, even living in her vehicle for six months, juggling multiple jobs while managing the bar’s $50,000 loan.

Only recently did the bar’s ownership change, as two other co-owners stepped back from day-to-day operations—one pursuing a career in clowning and the other identifying as a drag performer.

In a post announcing the change, the bar expressed care for its “immunocompromised disabled divas,” framing the decision as an act of love. However, this attempt to ease tensions did not quell the outrage. Critics pointed out that the post lacked necessary accessibility features, which further frustrated the community.

At a community meeting aimed at addressing concerns, heated discussions emerged, with some participants alleging issues of racism due to the race of the mediator present. The tension heightened when attendees expressed feelings of insecurity because the moderator was a mandated reporter, legally obligated to report any suspected abuse.

During this intense interaction, Matellian became emotional, stating she did not intend for the bar to be a burden and expressed doubt about her ability to manage it effectively. Financially, the situation remains precarious, as rent arrears grow, and the landlord demands substantial payment soon.

The mask-optional nights haven’t yielded the hoped-for business improvement. In past weekends, the bar has remained nearly empty, despite attempts to draw in customers with drink specials and entertainment like DJs. In fact, someone even suggested a themed Lady Gaga party to potentially increase attendance, but the bartender dismissed the idea, referring to the artist’s controversial standing.