Massachusetts lesbian bar draws buzz
The gist
A Massachusetts lesbian bar eased its KN-95 mask rule for Saturday nights and faced backlash.
The fight over who a queer safe space must protect drew wide coverage.
How it unfolded
- 2025Last Ditch Bar and Arts Venue opened in Greenfield, Massachusetts with a mission centered on accessibility, mutual aid and creating a queer space.
- Aug 31, 2026The bar announced on Instagram that Saturday nights would become mask-optional as a trial, having previously required a well-fitted KN-95 mask or better at all times.
- Sep 3, 2026Last Ditch apologized for what it called a casual announcement about changes affecting community access, saying the decision followed meetings with community members, business advisers and elders.