Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1998 07:46:34 -0800 From: Clare Howell Subject: IYF - Transwoman Murdered in California MEDIA ADVISORY - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Editor: Clare Howell, clare@gpac.org TRANSWOMAN CHANEL CHANDLER MURDERED IN CALIFORNIA ================================================= [Clovis, CA: 17 Nov 98] TRANSWOMAN CHANEL CHANDLER, 22, was found murdered in her burning apartment on 20 Sep 98. Police think the blaze was set to disguise the murder. Friends of Chanel expressed shock and amazement upon hearing that she had male genitals. "I'm surprised as hell," said Charlie Gilbert, a close friend and father figure to her. "It's almost like you're putting me on." Even Chandler's roommate, a woman with whom she worked, was unaware of her biological gender. Police have identified no suspects, nor have they determined a motive. As to her transgenderism being a motive, Police spokeswoman Micheline Golden said, "In a situation like this, that's the first motive you jump on, obviously, but you don't want to let that keep you from exploring other options. The impression we have is that she pretty much lived the life of a normal, single 22- year-old woman." Chandler was born into a conservative Montana family. From an early age, it was apparent that she considered herself a female. Said her aunt, Carla Coronado, "Whatever transition he had to go through, I don't think it was difficult. In his mind, she was a female. There was no two ways about it..." Chanel quit high school in Montana and moved to San Francisco to start a new life. She had just started a wholesale perfume business with her roommate. Said Charlie Gilbert, "She was really excited. She said there's no limit to what she could do. I wouldn't be surprised if she was wealthy in 10 years. She had that energy and drive." ### Subscriptions. Please contact: Subscribe@Gpac.org For prior releases, check the GenderPAC website at: http://www.gpac.org (c) 1998 InYourFace GenderPAC's online news-only service for gender activism.