By Nazima Raghubir
Hurricane Melissa has displaced thousands of Jamaicans among them members of the LGBTQ+ community. Several Guyanese LGBTQ+ organizations have joined forces to raise much needed funds for the queer community in Jamaica to assist with immediate needs. These include relief such as food, water, hygiene products, medical care and access for support for HIV/AIDS medication, mental health support and assistance for those displaced.
The call for funds to aid relief was launched on November 10th by Guyana Trans United, Proud to be Trans, Guyana Rainbow Foundation, Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination, and Tamùkke Feminists. These funds will go towards priority items, a spokesperson for the organisations told us, “We are raising cash with different donation tiers: $5,000 provides emergency food supplies; $10,000 covers temporary safe shelter; $20,000 provides comprehensive emergency support; $50,000 helps rebuild housing for one survivor; $100,000 supports long-term recovery for multiple people”.
All funds will be remitted to Queertego, the organisation based in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Queertego has already provided direct support to 35 LGBTQ+ individuals with care packages, water, and cash grants. Based on the body’s November community survey, more than 52% persons reported property damage with two members currently homeless and many remain unreachable. Additionally, the survey listed critical needs such as; 70% lack power access, 61% need groceries, 57% need drinking water, and 44% need hygiene supplies.
This campaign runs until December 5th.