The Chameleon Society - Meet the Committee

Meet the Committee

The 2010/2011 Committee members are listed below with a brief biography where available. You may send an email to a Committee member by clicking on the photograph if the member’s email is available.

Coordinator - Claire Elise Manchesi

Born in the UK in a time far, far away. I now, like the average transsexual, still read science fiction and drive a Magna (I do not drive trains as do some of the others!). With two marriages and the raising of seven children behind me, my wife of the last twenty years decided enough is enough.

The mayhem caused by that combination of denial of who we really are, further confused by the fact that the physical attraction is to women only (for the majority of us), is leading me upon a crusade to educate those yet to follow the same path, and to help those people in the decisions which will confront them. Helping others because of our own trials and tribulations seems to be a common factor for a number of other Chameleon members.

Having been a member of Chameleons some thirty five years ago, with a denial break up until a couple of years ago, I am very grateful to The Chameleons in many ways, but I am well aware of the drive in education which MUST prevail and be provided by The Chameleons. Now in my long lost, but finally found self as Claire, I am driving my taxi around Perth night shift in my 24/7 role. If you see this really attractive female taxi driver… it's probably not me! Please tip well anyway.

Deputy Coordinator - Connie

Connie was born in the North East of England, in July 1948. As a child, she used to play with her sister’s toys, and dress in Mum’s clothes. Mum told her that was only for little girls, so Connie hid herself in the closet, and remained there for fifty years.

She did all the right things, joining the Air Force, getting married, having three boys, all the things that people do. But the urge never left her. An itch she couldn’t scratch.

She thought about telling her wife, but decided against it, as she didn’t want to spoil their relationship, which lasted nearly 37 years. She couldn’t explain to her wife why the man she married really wanted to be a woman.

When the Internet came along, Connie discovered that she had an affliction that was quite common. She broke the news to her wife, and joined the Chameleon Society. She soon became immersed in that, and is now the Deputy Coordinator, as well as the Editor of The Transceiver magazine.

At first her wife went along with it, until it became apparent that Connie had found happiness in her new-found self. That led to the breakdown of their marriage, and they separated in November 2009. Connie moved in with Claire up in Brigadoon, and stayed there until she bought her own place in October 2010.

Connie has a job with QANTAS and works long and sometimes odd hours, but she is settling down into a routine, and soon will be back in full swing.

Secretary - Rosalind Davis

Rosalind has been aware all her life she should have been born a woman, and has had a great many difficult events shape her transgender existence. After many years of living a secret reality including changing country twice to live full time, Rosalind finally arrived in Perth in 2004. She joined The Chameleons in 2007 and has reveled in the support and friendship she received there, which has helped her to start on her chosen path.

In addition to performing the duties of Secretary, Rosalind has also taken on the task of Web and Forum Administration in cooperation with Christie.

A social butterfly, Ros loves dining out and movies and is well known to the whole group, especially for her long, helpful and analytical posts in the forum. Happily married, Ros is in the IT industry where she works full time as a women. Ros is a shopping machine and a Trekkie tragic - one of her favourite outfits is her Klingon outfit. Qapla'. yIlop! wa'IeS chaq maHegh!

Treasurer - Lillian

Lillian tries to look after the club’s very limited resources and stop Claire spending too much!! She has been a club member for some 7 years, and a Tranny forever – though she only found out the awful truth a decade or so ago thanks to the Internet and Christie.

She lives in the beautiful town of Bridgetown and would love to help any country girl if she can.

Public Relations Officer - Nerrelle

Born and living in Perth, I am married with one beautiful daughter and recently arrived son. Prior to becoming a fulltime homemaker I was a graphic designer with a background in advertising/marketing/illustration.

I am Claire’s eldest daughter and through my show of support to her and her new life I am now the Public Relations Officer for The Chameleons and I look forward to meeting you all and assisting with the never-ending road to transgender awareness and acceptance.

Librarian - Karron

Born in Perth on April 29 1976, Karron graduated from Curtin University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science (Medical Science). She is currently working as a medical scientist.

She became curious about transsexuality in high school, and as she got older felt more and more that is what she is. She is just starting to transition at the age of 34.

Karron’s goal is to be honest with others and herself, and break a few boundaries for transgender people along the way.