Approximately forty friends and family of the late Carmen Rupe gathered at Sydney's Rookwood Maori Cemetery yesterday afternoon to pay tribute to the trans-Tasman transgender diva. Carmen died a year ago and although her headstone has yet to be unveiled those present gathered before a large white cross which is standing vigil over her grave. "It was a time for reflection on what Carmen stood for and what she meant to all of us, a time of remembrance and tribute," says one of Carmen's close friends, Jurgen Hoffman. Those who attended the privately organised function were largely the same group who were present at her 75th birthday party held just months before she died, says Hoffman. Amongst the group were several members of Carmen's extended family. "It was lovely having Carmen's niece, Ann Hemopo, with us," says Hoffman. "She travelled from Queensland especially to attend the dedication. Carmen's nephew Steve and his family also attended, which was special." Hoffman says the burial plot ground has been re-sown with grass "and it's a lovely green, and the cross is not little because nothing was little in Carmen's life!" A date has yet to be set for the placing and unveiling of a headstone. You can discuss this New Zealand gay community news story in the GayNZ.com Forum.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 16th December 2012 - 5:53pm