Date: Wed, 02 Apr 1997 03:03:05 -0500 From: Riki Anne Wilchins Subject: MURDER TRIAL VIGIL & GENDER LEGISLATION IN CAMBRIDGE MEDIA ADVISORY - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Nancy Nangeroni NRN@world.std.com MURDER TRIAL VIGIL FOR CHANELLE PICKETT ======================================= [Cambridge, MA: 27 Feb 97] Approximately 35 gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender activists gathered today outside the Middlesex County Courthouse in a peaceful vigil for slain transexual Chanelle Pickett as the trial of William Palmer, Pickett's alleged assailant, was to begin inside. During the quiet gathering activists handed out leaflets and carried banners proclaiming, "There's No Shame in Loving Transexuals" and "Not Dressed to Be Killed." Members of New England's television, radio, and print media covered the event, and by and large were accurate and sympathetic in their coverage. New Evidence and a Continuance ------------------------------ Mr. Palmer allegedly knew of Ms. Pickett's gender status and had a history of seeking out pre-operative transexuals for liaisons. Yet, Palmer denies knowing that Ms. Pickett was transgendered, and his attorney has hinted that he will claim self-defense in the slaying. The court's proceedings were continued by the judge to an April date at the defense counsel's request, because of new evidence. The judge also remarked on the potential effect of the demonstration and leafleting of prospective jurors. Vigil organizer Nancy Nangeroni of the Transexual Menace later spoke with a representative of the DA's office assuring him that, "The last thing we want to do is bias the jury or impede proceedings. We're confident that justice will be done." ### CONTACT: Nancy Nangeroni NRN@world.std.com CAMBRIDGE PASSES GENDER LEGISLATION =================================== Unanimous Vote Victory for Activists [Cambridge, MA - March 3, 97] The Cambridge City Council voted unanimously Monday to incorporate protection for freedom of gender expression into the city1s Human Rights ordinance. The new law prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of gender. The amendment adds gender to the list of protected classes, including, sex, race, religion, etc. by redefining gender as "the actual or perceived appearance, expression, or identity of a person with respect to masculinity and femininity." Since the ordinance provides for the establishment of same sex facilities such as dormitories, the amendment also adds the following definition of "same sex": "Same sex means occupying the same social or identity roles as another with respect to being male or female." A First, But Not "Special Interest" Legislation ------------------------- This measure is the first legislation in Massachusetts which protects freedom of gender expression and identity. It is also the first legislation which defines "same sex" as based on something other than physiology. Said Nancy Nangeroni, author of the amendment, "This isn't about protecting some special interest-group. It infringes on no one else if I'm more masculine or feminine. This legislation expands the scope of everyone's personal freedom. Any woman who's been harassed because she looks too butch, and any man who's been harassed because he looks too effeminate, is protected by this. It1s a huge step towards equal rights and respect for transgendered people everywhere." ### Online Editor: Clare Howell, clareq@idt.net (c) 1996 InYourFace An on-line, news-only service for gender activism. When re-posting, please credit InYourFace.