# Lesbian Bar Mask Policy Sparks Viral Backlash

> Boston bar's mask policy shift becomes weaponized by right-wing figures.
- Title: Lesbian Bar Mask Policy Sparks Viral Backlash · Slate Magazine
- Summary: Boston bar's mask policy shift becomes weaponized by right-wing figures. Last Ditch bar's mask policy change sparked viral backlash that right-wing figures…
- Keywords: last ditch, boston globe, queer community, mask policy, internet backlash, greenfield, lesbian bar, masks optional, ted cruz, anti-gay rhetoric, community space, Lesbian
- Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/life/2026/09/boston-globe-lesbian-bar-masking-policy-backlash.html?via=rss
- Author: Christina Cauterucci
- Published: 2026-09-25T17:52:42.464+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: last ditch, boston globe, queer community, mask policy, internet backlash, greenfield, lesbian bar, masks optional, x, ted cruz, anti-gay rhetoric, community space
## Mask Policy Shift
Last Ditch bar announced Saturday nights would be masks optional.

> masks optional
## Viral Story
Boston Globe feature became top story of 2026 after viral backlash.

> top story of the year
## Online Backlash
Sen. Ted Cruz reposted screenshots calling leftism a mental disease.

> leftism is a mental disease
## Community Impact
Last Ditch co-founders stepped up after two LGBTQ+ bars closed.

> only lesbian bar in lesbianville usa
## Perfectionism
Online critics demanded absolute perfection from bar operator.

> we are expecting too much from our local community
## Safety Concerns
Bar operator accused of killing people via infection spread.

> i hope your venue gets firebombed for robbing my fellow immunocompromised people
## Community Meeting
Bar hosted multi-hour meeting where they were called racist.

> we are expecting too much from our local community
## Local Context
Two LGBTQ+ bars closed in 2024 due to economic pressures.

> only lesbian bar in lesbianville usa
## Community Response
Rene Pellissier praised bar's idealistic approach.

> run by several well-meaning queer people in their early- to mid-20s
## Internet Distortion
Keyboard warriors from outside town targeted bar.

> i don't even live in your town
## Local Reality
Greenfield has one lesbian bar for 17,700 residents.

> 17,700 residents
## Systemic Neglect
LGBTQ+ people face systemic neglect and targeted attacks.

> systemic neglect and targeted attacks
## Community Value
Bar provides creative and social opportunities for marginalized groups.

> rich in opportunities for creativity and delight
## What Happens Next
Bar continues operating despite online hostility.

> they deserve better than what they're getting
## Key takeaway

Last Ditch bar's mask policy change sparked viral backlash that right-wing figures weaponized to paint all LGBTQ+ people as antisocial.