Summer is officially back, and so is Pride.
Throughout the month of June, the world will celebrate the LGBTQ+ community – but unfortunately, it will look a little different this year.
Back in March, founders of the Pride in London parade announced that the event would be cancelled in 2020, to ensure that people remained safe during the pandemic, and other events have been cancelled across the country, as well.
But this doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways you can show support for LGBTQ+ people.
Many organisations and charities are selling rainbow-themed merchandise, and this year’s edition to the many t-shirts and flags is the most popular retail item of 2020: the face mask.
To honour Pride, we’ve rounded up some of the best rainbow-coloured masks on sale right now.
Before we go on, please note that these are not NHS-supplied PPE masks. Read the product descriptions before you purchase the mask, so that you have all the information regarding materials etc.
Gay Pride Shop, £8
Gay Pride Shop was launched a gay couple in Manchester.
Not only will you look stylish in this face mask, but you’re also supporting a good cause, as 30% of all profits from the website goes to charities including The Albert Kennedy Trust, The George House Trust and Mermaids.
There are several designs to choose from, but this one is made by Daniel Quasar and has two layers – polyester on the outer side, and a cotton inner lining with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal treatment.
You can also find a built-in pouch for mask filters, and the product is fully machine-washable.
Etsy, £11.30
Like the message but not a fan of rainbows? Try this ‘love is love’ design from a seller on Etsy.
The unisex mask has seven layers, including a five-layer ‘activated carbon filter’, but note that the description says this is not ‘meant to provide medical protection’.
Nevertheless, it’s a very cute mask and what makes it even nicer is that £0.50 of every sale will be donated to the NHS. Out of every 1,000 masks made, 5% are also donated to people in London who are in need of masks but can’t get one.
There are two versions, one for kids and one for adults – both of which are reusable and washable.
Zazzle, £12.65
If you like a classic rainbow flag design, but with a twist – in this case abstract watercolour – Zazzle has one for you.
This face mask is made from 100% polyester, with the outer side a poly sheeting and the inside poly microfiber.
It features over-the-ear elastic straps and the brand says that one size should fit most faces. The product also has an insert slot where you can pop in a surgical or disposable mask, as an ‘additional barrier to fluids and particular materials’.
But beware if you have sensitive skin, as the product has not been tested for this and according to webMD, you are more likely to get a rash – i.e. textile dermatitis – from items made from synthetics, such as polyester.
That’s not to say you will, but it’s always good to stay on the safe side.
Wild Bangarang, £7.50
Fancy something a bit jazzier than your average rainbow?
Wild Bangarang has created this sparkly mask – handmade in east Sussex – which features kids, small, regular or large sizes, depending on your requirements.
As for the materials, the front is 80% polyester/20% elastane, while the filter is made from 100% spun-bonded polypropylene and the lining is 92% polyester/8% spandex.
During the pandemic, the company has been raising money for the NHS – if you’d like to donate the standard £2, you can add this at the checkout.
Or simply send £2 to an LGBTQ+ charity instead.
Etsy, £18.00
There isn’t a whole lot of info about this mask, but you could always ask the seller for more info before you buy.
It’s made from ‘top quality fabrics and elastic’ (again, doesn’t specify what kind), is machine-washable and reusable.
Each mask is handmade to order, with small, medium and large sizes available.
If you already have a good supply of face masks, you can also support the LGBTQ+ community by donating money to a charity of your choice.
From Pride in London, which will return in 2021, to The LGBT Foundation, Just Like Us or Stonewall – there are plenty of organisations to choose from.
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Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/06/01/where-get-pride-face-mask-12786678/
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