Who should submit work?

QMAP welcomes submissions from everyone. We aim to capture the stories of all gay, queer, and transgender people, but we also invite allies who want to share stories about their queer family and friends.

What is mail art?

Mail art is a movement that began in the 1960s. It served as a vital communication network for activists worldwide, bypassing traditional gallery systems as gatekeepers of artistic participation. Mail art continues today, with many active networks. You can learn more about its history here, here, and here.

What will happen to the mail I send?

All mail received will be collected from our P.O. box. Shipping information on envelopes will be carefully redacted with pens. The letters themselves will remain unopened and added to our archive. The archive will eventually be displayed in transparent cases—out of public reach—to raise awareness and inspire reflection. After 100 years, the letters will be opened, scanned, and shared as widely as possible.

What information should I put on the envelope?

Please include our current shipping address, which is available on the homepage of our website. If you are concerned about privacy, you may choose not to include a return address, as letters cannot be returned without one. Because the letters will remain sealed for 100 years, we cannot provide confirmation of receipt.

Why are the envelopes addressed to Wade Burleson?

The U.S. Postal Service has strict rules around mail delivery, and the only way to have mail delivered to the entity "QMAP" would mean setting up a business, costing time and money. We've chosen to have the letters delivered to our founder, Wade Burleson, for the time being.

How did the Queer Mail Art Project start?

QMAP was inspired by a visit to the Future Library in Oslo, Norway—an ingenious project conceived by Katie Paterson. The Future Library collects an original work from a new author each year, holding them until their publication in 2114. Recognizing the need to preserve queer history and the privacy concerns of queer individuals, QMAP uses a similar concept to safely archive vulnerable and honest queer expressions for future generations.

How can I get involved?

If you have skills or ideas to support QMAP, please email us at contact@queermailartproject.org. We’re currently expanding our outreach and would appreciate help spreading the word about our project! Even simply sharing our call for mail with friends makes a big difference.

Is there any chance the letters will be opened early?

We will do everything possible to keep the letters sealed and secure for 100 years. However, risks like theft or vandalism cannot be completely ruled out. In the event of archive damage, contents would be digitized and stored as securely as possible until the 100-year mark. While this carries some cybersecurity risks, the chance of early opening is very minimal, and we are committed to maintaining privacy.

Who makes up QMAP?

The Queer Mail Art Project was conceived by artist Wade Burleson in 2024 and officially founded in 2025 with the help of Andrew Hilmes and Indie Caldwell.