Claire Elise Manchesi, one of Western Australia’s most vocal trans* rights advocates has passed away, she was 66 years old.

Manchesi who spent many years as the official spokesperson for the Chameleon’s Society often shared her experiences of coming to terms with being transgender, creating the pathway for others to be more comfortable with their gender identity.

In a 2011 interview with The Sunday Times Manchesi shared what it felt like to be born a different gender to the one you identify as;

“It’s an ache, a desire, to really be who you feel you should be,” she explains. “You fool yourself with different tricks all your life to try and make yourself feel comfortable, but you can’t because it’s not right.”

Manchesi shared her experiences of being trans* through stories in many media outlets including appearances on the RTRFM radio program, ‘All Things Queer’ and Channel Nine’s Mornings show with David Campbell and Sonia Kruger. Alongside being an outspoken advocate for better services and recognition for trans* people Manchesi also worked tirelessly behind the scenes providing guidance and support to other trans* people.

Aside from her volunteer work at The Chameleon Society, Manchesi was known to many people from her work as a taxi driver and her involvement in the online karaoke community of SingSnap.

Manchesi passed away on Boxing Day due to complications from two strokes she recently suffered. She is survived by her daughter Nerelle from her first marriage, and two sons and three daughters from her second marriage. A fourth daughter from her second marriage passed away in 2011.

UPDATE: A service will be held on Monday January 6 at 9:30am at The Chappel at Pinnaroo Memorial Park.

OIP Staff