Mask Up Time as England Goes for Shops Rule

17/07/2020

The Asian Age, the popular pan Indian newspaper, cheekily notes that “True fashionistas never dismiss an accessory that can accentuate their looks. Now in the times of COVID-19, the humble mask is showing up as the most important accessory. That piece of layered cloth designed to protect you from germs is a key item one cannot afford to forget while leaving home. And this accessory is here to stay for long." . Indeed, it seems that people are preparing to add their own imprint to masks, whether home produced or made commercially. And small innovative companies have been setting up to create masks that reflect the identities, political beliefs and cultural affiliations of mask wearers. The Cornishman, a newspaper based in the far South West of England, or to give it it's own name, Kernow, reports that people out and about in the fine Cornish spring weather have been sporting masks depicting the cross of St Piran, the national flag of the ancient Celtic nation on it. So, it's going to be of little surprise to you that LGBTQ people are also coming up with trendy and flashy ways of promoting our community with their masks. The large Gay Radio channel Gaydio has a useful corporate sponsorship link to PrideBunny, who have launched a rainbow design mask. Meanwhile, Bingedesigns.com is selling a neat Trans Pride Facemask, which will benefit two crucial charities – transgender youth charity Mermaids and another fifty pence to the NHS via their Charities Together fundraiser. These and similar initiatives have even gained the attention of daily newspaper The Metro, which notes that online retail outlets selling variations of different Pride masks include Gay Pride Shop, Zazzle and Etsy. In fact, we noted dozens of different ideas online being made by a wide variety of small traders, many of whom themselves identify as part of the LGBTQ rainbow family. But top marks so far this pandemic have to go to The Eagle, a leather bar based in Baltimore. They have been selling online masks with Pride and erotic themes, but also poppers, lube and all the accoutrements that will allow customers to recreate a leather venue at home. Top marks for style and initiative to all involved. We should note incidentally that from Monday 15th June it has been compulsory to wear facemasks or mouth and nose coverings on public transport including buses and trains in England. Transport unions including the RMT say that they do not think that drivers or guards should be confronting those members of the public who do not wear masks, but it seems that Police will have the power to enforce the rule. So, you might as well make a statement and wear your mask with Pride. ** In England, masks will become compulsory on Friday 24th July in shops. This does not apply to Wales and so we suggest you keep in touch with the Welsh media such as Radio Tircoed and S4C Television to see what the latest rulings from the Welsh government are.