LGBT and Rights Activist Zenita Nicholson Dies; Suicide Suspected

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GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Oct 26 2015 – Well known human rights and LBGT activist, Zenita Nicholson, who last year was honoured by the United States Embassy here as an International Woman of Courage, died in hospital on Monday.

Media reports said that Nicholson, also known as Zenita Temall, had been rushed to a private hospital early Monday after allegedly ingesting a number of carbon tablets.

The Guyana-based News Source internet service said that she had contacted a friend early this morning and cried out for assistance to get to the hospital.

“The death has sent shockwaves throughout the country as Nicholson was well known as someone who fought against discrimination and human rights abuses for decades,” News Source reported.

Last week, Nicholson had posted on her Facebook page that she was “.so numb … so ashamed …so terrified … so disappointed … so shocked and extremely confused!”

Several friends reached out to her about what she may have been going through, but she would only say that she was heading to the police. That was on October 19.

In thanking the U.S Government for its recognition of her work Nicholson, who has represented Guyana at a number of international human rights meetings, said although she is being honoured for her courage, News Source reported.

“I have no courage; not compared to those who inspire me to advocate for equality, human rights and dignity.”