Last Ditch, a lesbian bar and art space in Greenfield, Massachusetts, ended its Covid mask requirement on Saturdays to attract more patrons. The decision sparked national attention, including coverage from the Boston Globe and international outlets. A podcast highlighted a heated meeting where patrons and the owner debated whether the change abandoned the bar’s inclusive mission.

On opening night, the purple door remained closed until 10 p.m., with a sign indicating an ongoing meeting inside. Locals expressed concern, with some visiting to support the struggling venue. The bar, opened in 2025 by Asa Rosario, Jackie Matellian, and Sage Territo, aimed to serve “Dykes, Transexuals, Gender Freaks, Workers, and their friends.” It filled a gap after two regional queer bars closed.

Nearby Hampshire County has the highest percentage of lesbian couple households in the U.S. The bar’s strict mask policy had persisted post-pandemic, making the shift controversial. Journalists gathered outside as masked patrons confronted them, demanding photos be deleted. The incident underscored the tension between safety norms and community identity in a small town suddenly under national scrutiny.