The Chameleon Society - Meet the Committee

Meet the Committee

The 2009/2010 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 year 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 on 31 July 1948. As a child she used to play with her sister’s toys, and dress up in her sister’s clothes. But Mum told her that is only for girls, so Connie went into the closet, and locked the door behind her.

She remained in the closet for 50 years, joining the Air Force, getting married, having three wonderful boys, all the things that normal people do. But the urge never left her. Life was difficult, to say the least, and to tell her lovely wife about her secret was not something she could do easily. She didn’t want to damage the relationship with her wife, so she thought it best not to tell.

Hiding her clothes was a problem. She would come up with some really good hiding spots, only to have to change them later. Then in March 2009, as she was browsing the internet, she discovered The Chameleons. She opened the closet door and threw away the key forever. She opened up to her wife, and started coming to the meetings. Her wife was a bit shocked at first, but she seems to have taken it in her stride. There were a few ground rules, but they are looking at them one at a time. The Chameleon Society has provided an outlet for Connie, as well as others, to explore their real self in a friendly and warm atmosphere, free from the pressure outside. As she said herself, "where else could I go dressed like this and feel comfortable?" Now it is time to put something back into the club. Connie has just been made the Deputy Coordinator and she will give every support she can.

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 recently 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 soon to arrive 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.

Welfare/Human Resources Officer - Stefanie Brown

Hi, my name is Stef. I am one of the old farts being 50 years old and I have been with The Chameleons since April 2007. In that time I went from being what I thought was a Cross dresser to being Trans. I am now on a journey which will see me become Stefanie BROWN legally.

I am assisting Penny in the welfare of our group and those who need our support. Unfortunately, I can only do stuff on the computer as I am currently 600km south east of Perth in a lovely place called Hopetoun.

I think being a police officer as well has helped me thru a lot of the initial adversity. I also believe in the power of positive thinking and do not dwell on negative thinking.

Editor - Sarah

Sarah is an annoying loud Irish immigrant who believes that Australia is the best place on earth. A 20-year marketing Nazi, she spends all possible hours making you buy things you never needed in the first place. The loves of her life are her amazing accountant son, the ever stoic North Melbourne Football Club, Shakespeare and Perth fashion week.

She is a strong believer that for many, gender is a journey not an absolute and that bigots should be boiled in steaming pig's droppings. She is known to often choose death by chardonnay, and begs you all to make contributions to The Transceiver via sarahell@live.com.au.