Massachusetts Communist Party Group Criticizes Boston Globe Over Lesbian Bar Mask Story
A Western Massachusetts chapter of the Communist Party USA condemned the Boston Globe over a Sept. 22 article about Last Ditch, a lesbian bar in Greenfield. The bar drew backlash after it made Saturdays mask-optional. The chapter argued the story was not newsworthy except as part of the midterm election debate over transgender rights.
The Western Massachusetts branch of the Communist Party USA objected to the Boston Globe’s Sept. 22 coverage of Last Ditch, a Greenfield lesbian bar. The venue had drawn criticism after saying masks would be optional on Saturdays, with some patrons alleging ableism and urging a boycott.
The chapter’s statement called for support for regional LGBTQ and transgender residents. Its graphic placed the Globe alongside MAGA-aligned media and criticized its corporate ties and prior endorsement of Seth Moulton’s unsuccessful Senate bid. The statement also alleged Republican-led harms against transgender people, while the Globe later reported that documented violent transgender deaths declined from 53 in 2023 to 27 in 2025.
The dispute may keep attention on how local businesses, media, and political groups navigate mask rules and transgender issues during midterm campaigns. Residents of Greenfield and LGBTQ patrons could feel more scrutinized or divided, while journalists and activists may face pressure over framing. The episode could also intensify online backlash, affecting the bar’s reputation and community trust.