One of the most jarring things about moving from Washington D.C. to Dallas during a pandemic is how differently the cities approach the virus.
The social norms surrounding physical distancing and mask wearing are very different in Dallas. We’ve actually had neighbors say, “Oh, so you’re mask queens?” In the same condescending tone that you’d use with an anti-vaxxer.
Our new neighbors pack elevators, go to the pool in large groups, and greet friends with hugs and air kisses. It’s common to get dirty looks when wearing a mask on the elevator.
Dallas retail stores require masks, but many gay bars and restaurants are free-for-all situations. There are supposedly capacity limits on bars/restaurants, but there’s usually zero enforcement of physical distancing requirements once you’re inside. The rules are focused on whether a bar operates at half capacity, whereas in DC the question is how many groups can be separately seated 6 ft apart. Those are two very different things.
People crowd around the bar and smoking patios, or flitter between groups. Patrons treat masks as props or necklaces, and bartenders take off their masks to talk with people or make drinks.
One bar even locks patrons inside speakeasy-style because the staff doesn’t like wearing masks. It’s very bizarre, and makes it very easy to second guess if we are the ones overreacting by wearing masks,… or maybe we are actually in danger and should be staying home altogether. 😷
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