Viral Lesbian Bar Article Sparks Film Adaptation Buzz

A viral Boston Globe article detailing the controversy surrounding a Massachusetts lesbian bar's decision to lift its mask mandate has sparked considerable interest from Hollywood for potential film adaptations, according to a report.

UTA, the agency representing The Boston Globe, has reportedly been fielding inquiries for both scripted and documentary projects based on the story. The Globe's September 22 article, titled “A Western Mass. lesbian bar required KN-95 masks. When it changed the rules, all hell broke loose,” has gained national and international attention, going viral on social media and being picked up by numerous news outlets.

The story has also driven significant subscriber growth for The Boston Globe, with a spokesperson stating it has generated thousands of new digital subscriptions. The article highlighted the cultural clash within Greenfield's queer community after Last Ditch Bar owner Jackie Matellian, who uses she/they pronouns, decided to make Saturday nights mask-optional in an effort to boost business amid financial struggles. Matellian has spoken about her financial difficulties, including living in her truck and working multiple jobs.

The decision drew sharp criticism from some patrons and community members, including performer Soe Noire, who uses he/him pronouns. Noire accused Matellian of racism and ableism. Other individuals featured in the Globe's report include Last Ditch bartender Mixxy, a trans woman, and Asa Rosario, a drag performer who uses it/its pronouns and was one of the bar's co-founders. A therapist also reportedly mediated a community meeting about the policy change.

Last Ditch had initially announced the change to its mask policy in an August Instagram post, stating that Saturday nights would be "mask optional." This announcement led to an online backlash, with some critics describing the move as enabling a "mass disabling event" and using terms like "ableist" and "eugenicist."

Film adaptations of articles are not uncommon in Hollywood. Notably, Robert Pattinson's recent film "Primetime" was based on an Esquire article, and the Oscar-winning film "Spotlight" was inspired by The Boston Globe's reporting on abuse within the Catholic Church.