From: Riki Anne Wilchins Date: Mon, 8 Jan 1996 19:45:58 -0500 Subject: Hundreds Turn Out in Boston After Transexual Murder Hundreds Turn Out in Boston After Transexual Murder Contact: Nancy Nangeroni (617)497-6928 NRN@world.std.com [December 22, 1995 - BOSTON, MA] In the wake of the Nov. 20 murder of Chanelle Pickett and the murder of Deborah Forte in Haverhill May 15, Boston's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender communities joined in actions designed to heighten awareness of transgender violence. On Sunday evening, December 10, approximately 250 people gathered at the Arlington Street church to pay tribute to Chanelle Pickett and voice their outrage. The service was organized by Sue Hyde of NGLTF, Robb Johnson of the Fenway Victim Recovery Program, and Nancy Nangeroni of The Transexual Menace. Represented were both queer and straight people of all classes and colors. Chanelle's twin sister Gabrielle, also transexual, spoke movingly of her sister's energy, spirit and goals. In a show of poise and strength, she called those present to work toward change in the aftermath of the her twin's murder. Following the memorial service, a candlelight vigil processed through the Public Garden and across the Common. The procession ended at the State House, where Nancy Nangeroni addressed the crowd, calling for the education of elected representatives to the hurt visited upon those who transgress gender "norms." The vigil concluded with the hanging of a memorial wreath for Chanelle on the State House front gate. In a followup action on December 18, activists calling themselves the "Remember Chanelle" committee announced formation of several task forces, including a Media task force to monitor media coverage of transgender issues and violence, a Legislative task force to lobby state legislators for bias crimes legislation, a Community task force to reach out to the local GLBT community, and a Victim Recovery task force to provide aid to victims, survivors and their families. [END]