Andita Rahma, Jakarta – The Queer Language Club (QLC) regrets that transwomen or transgender women are not subjected by the government coronavirus (COVID-19) social assistance throughout the pandemic.

"They are also affected by the pandemic. Moreover, they also became the butt of a joke recently, it's saddening actually," said QLC chairperson Nurdiansyah to Tempo on Monday.

According to Nurdiansyah, ever since the COVID-19 spread, the transwomen who work as street buskers, sex workers, makeup artists, and hairstylists have lost their field of income.

This situation drove Nurdiansyah and fellow colleagues from the Koraja Theater Studio held established a movement to help open a donation for the trans community dubbed the #Bantuanuntukwaria (aid for transgenders).

Prior to the large-scale social restriction (PSBB) was enacted, the QLC would often open a public kitchen but has been diverted to disseminating daily food staple aid amid the PSBB for 67 transgenders, who are also Koraja Theater Studio members, who live in two areas in Jakarta and other parts outside the capital city.

They did not stop at providing social aid, the QLC also opened micro-businesses in the pastry industry for the trans people.

The donation they opened since May 1 2020 have already collected Rp93.7 million with Rp59 million already distributed.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1338483/govt-urged-to-provide-for-trans-community-amid-pandemic