The mother of Beyoncé and Solange lost her best friend to the disease and it affected her like "no other loss."
The Pulitzer Prize-winner spoke to Plus about hate and its effect on health.
“It was my job to entertain, enlighten, and bring hope to a generation decimated by AIDS,” the activist once said.
Pippins came from Florida to New York to care for her son as he was dying of AIDS complications and stayed to help others affected by the disease.
For decades, Pusateri was an integral part of an HIV study that's been ongoing since 1984.
The facemasks are being donated to facilities serving the homeless and those suffering from addiction.
