Trans activist seeks assistance to rebuild home ravaged by fire

Gulliver McEwan popularly known as “Candacy”, who has been at the forefront in promoting LGBTQ+ rights in Guyana, is appealing with the public for assistance in rebuilding her 62 Norton Street, Georgetown home which was destroyed by fire on October 25, 2020.

McEwan, her four-year-old son, trans daughter and siblings were displaced.
The Caribbean Equality Project (CEP) and Trans activist Twinkle Paul have organised an emergency fundraiser to assist McEwan with rebuilding her place of abode. CEP was founded by Guyanese Muslim Gay Rights activist, Mohamed Amin in response to anti-LGBTQ+ hate violence in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York.
In an invited comment, Paul noted the difficulties for a transgender person to own a business and somewhere to call home. “It is very tragic for her to suffer a loss of everything due to fire. She is a sister, she is a mother, she is a fighter for the trans community. As a community, we cannot sit by without trying to provide some assistance.”
In this regard, Paul added, “…I organised this fundraiser to help her get back on her feet. It may not get her everything, but once she can have certain things, like her little business, and some appliances and a shelter; she can begin the journey of healing and reconstructing her life.”

McEwan operated a small business from her home. She had previously told Guyana Times that she was downstairs preparing to do some chores when she saw a ball of fire in one of the bedrooms in the upper flat of the house.
“I was about to do some washing and I hear a ‘pow’ sound, and when I raise my head, I saw fire and I started shouting for my sibling and by the time they run out, the place was just blazing,” she said. She explained that she had been living on the property for over 23 years, and the house belongs to her brother, who lives overseas.
The activist estimated their losses to be in the millions.
“I like the biggest fridge… I like nice things: flatscreen TV, well-furnished home, a grocery shop, two coolers, refrigerator, into millions and billions of dollars. I can’t really explain…,” she had said.
When asked if the building was insured, McEwan’s response was “no”. She said she did not know what her next move would be, but she is definitely a strong person, and will seek God in this difficult time.

“Losing your home and all of your life worth, savings, and knowing in Guyana it is not easy working to achieve things, and especially when you are not from the normal public and you are from an LGBT population where limited resources is given to that community, you can imagine.”
McEwan is in need of clothing, essentials and groceries. Among those in support of the fundraiser are the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), Guyana Trans United, Caribbean Equality Project and the Glenn Family Foundation.
Those desirous of donating to this worthy cause can do so here: https://bit.ly/SupportCandacyMcewan