Pittsburgh MasQUe ProjecT

The Pittsburgh MasQUe ProjecT connects trans and queer (LGBTQIA) folx from Pittsburgh to face mask sources that are safe and affirming. This includes a vetted list of vendors and direct distribution of donated masks. We distribute 2 masks per month to each household member. 

Masks come from a variety of sources, including our volunteer 'sewists' and partners such as Global Links. We try to provide each person a mass produced mask and a handmade mask to give them variety and choices for their day to day needs. We also use volunteers to drive "no contact" delivery routes, pack the masks into individual sealed bags, and prepare the mailings for masks. 

We #masqueup the entire household because this is a communicable virus. 

This project is oingoing since April 2020.

First, we need to ensure our supply of masks and mask making materials. We work with the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse to obtain materials for our sewists. We also try to purchase masks from trans and queer owned small businesses when possible. Hand in hand with this, we need the mask 'packing' supplies - small ziploc bags, brown paper lunch sacks, gloves, tape, etc. 

Second, we have to prepare the "mailers" - masks being sent via USPS to folk. This involves the bags as well as envelopes and labels, weighing the packages, paying for postage, and shipping. 

Finally, we have ongiong efforts to inform people of this project and encourage them to enroll. As the pandemic continues to have economic and social impact, we anticipate our list growing. There are no financial guidelines; the most masked people we help, the better for everyone. 

It is important to understand that 70% of Pennsylvanians live in communities without non-discrimination protections. In Western PA, only Allegheny and Erie counties have these protections meaning in 24 counties plus most of the rest of the Commonwealth, it is legal to refuse to sell a face mask to someone because they are trans, lesbian, bi, queer, etc. 

If business owners are willing to go to the Supreme Court to defend their rights to deny wedding cakes to same sex couples, how far would they go in regard to denying us life saving medical equipment? It a lived reality that most of navigate everyday as a matter of our  existence. Add to this  the relentless assault of vitriol and hate targeting Dr. Rachel Levine, the Secretary of Health for Pennsylvnia and you have a social mix that is uneven at best for people navigating these types of purchases. And there is the economic factor as so many of our community members have lost or will be losing their income sources. 

The City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County have protections, but it is frequently the case that we cross those borders to make a purchase.