One member of Nepal’s Blue Diamond Society has been killed, while three others are missing, following the massive quake which struck on Saturday. The lgbti support and advocacy group says the body of Ciatala (Kumar Bhujel), who identifies as third gender, was found in a teaching hospital. “We reached her in time and found her. Otherwise the security force were ready to do a mass funeral of unidentified bodies. We have informed her mother in Dharan and we did funeral at Pashupati Aryeghat today.” The group says a member of its care and support team, Jyoti Prakash KC, is still missing. “We visited several hospitals in Kathmandu and are unable to find him. Moreover we have got information today that two more transgender; Melina and Bhawani are also missing.” Members of the Blue Diamond Society are sheltering in tents The Blue Diamond Society (BDS) says the level of devastation in Nepal is huge and much is still not known. “Even before the earthquakes, Nepal had electricity power load sharing. There is now an acute electricity shortage which severely limits mobile coverage too. Since the earthquakes the BDS has been trying to contact and search for our members and staff.” Its main building and its care and support building are both cracked and damaged. “Friends’ and colleagues’ houses have collapsed. Most of lgbti people are spending nights under some tents with BDS banner for security and identification. There is shortage of gas and food and the BDS has run out of food for the care and support and hospice for HIV positive lgbti.” The group says around 300 trans women or ‘metis’ in Kathmandu survive through sex work and now have no way of earning money. The group is still waiting to get information from more remote districts but says “the needs are huge and for many months to come”. Immediate needs are tents, clothes, blankets, umbrellas, water, food and medicine, fuel for generator and BDS's vehicle for about four to six months. In the longer term the society needs funds to repair both its damaged buildings, and to help rehabilitate those who have lost their homes and means of income. “It’s difficult to estimate the amount needed just now … however it is going to be a significant amount,” the group says. “We need your support right now.” To donate Account Name: Blue diamond society Account Number: 01400105200316 Swift Code: EVBLNPKA Bank Name: Everest Bank Limited, Branch Office, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal (Note for smaller donations it may be better to band together as a group due to transaction fees) A specific New Zealand collection may also be set up.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 29th April 2015 - 10:26am