Halfway through Rotterdam Pride we got a request to help K.C.: he was admitted with stomach problems. Besides HIV, he was also infected with tuberculosis (TB). A week later he died. Our help was of no avail.
Drag Queen in Phnom Penh
K.C. was only 25 years young and earned a living as Drag Queen in a gay bar in Phnom Penh. The better the act, the higher the tips and the more income. K.C. lived with his fellow-drag queens in a room in Phnom Penh. He hid his HIV status from his friends. Besides HIV, he also had TB. This came to light when he was in hospital with stomach problems. An operation was necessary and according to the doctor he had to be hospitalized for a longer period of time.
The costs were quite high, because if K.C. could not perform, he had no money for the rent. Untenu decided to help and make money available for a month’s rent, hospitalisation and food aid. A week after Rotterdam Pride we got the sad news that he had passed away.
Meanwhile the volunteers of our partner organization Bandanh Chaktomok have brought the remains to his family in the province Siem Reap, where his funeral will take place.
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Help throughout Cambodia
Click on a city and see the help we have offered over the years. At every city shortcuts to stories behind the aid we provided.