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A lesbian bar is Western Mass. has continued to require masks
A small lesbian bar in Western Massachusetts is going viral for being the manifestation of the phrase “too woke.” A report in The Boston Globe revealed that the local LGBTQ+ watering hole required gets to wear masks at all times.
According to a viral report in The Boston Globe — the paper’s managing editor said it was “by far our best performing story of the year,” and appears to be “on pace to shatter all sorts of Globe records” — Last Ditch, a lesbian bar and arts venue in Greenfield, had required well-fitted KN-95 masks at all times since it opened.
Last Ditch is located in Greenfield, Massachusetts, which has not recorded a case of COVID in two months.
Last Ditch bar in Greenfield, Massachusetts, is going viral after a story about it in the Boston Globe blew up
On August 31, however, owner Jackie Matellian announced Saturday nights would become mask-optional, citing the bar’s financial situation, with mounting bills such as a $50,000 startup loan, months of unpaid staff, and a landlord demanding $3,900 in back rent. She added that she’d been living in her truck while working four jobs to keep the bar afloat.
The announcement, however, sparked backlash from the bar’s immunocompromised and disabled patrons, who saw it as a betrayal of one of the few COVID-safe queer spaces around, racking up hundreds of comments accusing the bar of ableism and even “eugenicists.”
A 3.5-hour community meeting was held on September 11, where a vocal critic, Soe Noire, reportedly accused both a white mediator and Matellian of racism.
The Boston Globe‘s coverage of the story has gone massively viral on social media, with readers marveling at some of the ridiculous details.
“This legitimately reads like a parody of what people think too woke is like,” read one viral reaction to the story.
“There are levels of woke in rural, western massachusetts that none of you can comprehend,” a second joked.
“The plan? Create a lore so complicated and bewildering that the Western Massachusetts lesbian bar currently hemorrhaging money recoups its losses by becoming an attraction for disbelieving tourists.” pic.twitter.com/Wm8gUhVkBx
— Mike Beauvais (@MikeBeauvais) September 23, 2026
This might be the best article I’ve ever read https://t.co/gkPbkq6A0y pic.twitter.com/eWpkiVFToa
— James🔻 (@GoodVibePolitik) September 23, 2026
no more original sentences left https://t.co/eGwf7US9GI pic.twitter.com/Iew2MAt1z2
— Alex (@alexxmalloy) September 22, 2026
For example, Last Ditch managed to make its situation worse with its follow-up apology, as its Instagram post lacked alt-text for visually impaired readers, sparking another round of criticism.
This might be my favorite article of all time. https://t.co/lgSS5S5J1R pic.twitter.com/16GOrbb6Bf
— Siraj Hashmi (@SirajAHashmi) September 22, 2026
A quick Google Search of Last Ditch’s surroundings show at least seven other bars within immediate walking distance of the establishment.