LGBTQ Eats Their Own

About this episode

What happens when a community built around inclusion turns on itself over a single night of optional masking? In this episode, we unpack the bizarre controversy surrounding Last Ditch Bar & Arts Venue, a queer bar in western Massachusetts that faced intense backlash after announcing that Saturday nights would become mask-optional. What began as an attempt to bring more customers through the door quickly spiraled into accusations of ableism, heated online attacks, an unsuccessful apology, and a marathon community meeting. We follow the story as the bar’s financial problems collide with internal community conflict, leaving its remaining owner personally responsible for a $50,000 loan and thousands in back rent. Along the way, we discuss collectivism, ideological purity, online outrage, what happens when communities struggle to tolerate disagreement, and the very real human cost for the people trying to keep the place alive. And because the story is almost too absurd not to laugh at, we brainstorm a line of Last Ditch-inspired merch—and consider whether Human Reaction might actually be able to help keep the bar afloat in the process. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS, SUPPORT OUR SHOW: Youn