SCISSOR Sisters star Ana Matronic will be in Winchester on Monday for her first assignment in her new role as patron of Hampshire gender issues charity Chrysalis.

The Warsash-based charity is holding a major conference, aimed at bringing together Hampshire’s transgender community and educating professionals, policy makers and the general public.

As well as a number of key-note speakers, the sold-out event will also play host to its new patron.

Andi Maratos, CEO of Chrysalis, said: “I would like to recognise that this amazing relationship would not have come about had it not been for Caz Cashmore from Southampton Solent University, a former colleague of mine, who is a close friend of Ana’s and ardent supporter of Chrysalis.

“Caz spoke to Ana about Chrysalis after she heard about the work the charity does at a transgender awareness training session delivered by our founder.

“When I took over the role of CEO, Caz asked Ana if she would consider being our patron and we are so very proud to announce that earlier this month Ana agreed to support us.”

She added: “Ana will be attending the conference on the 9th to find out more about the work Chrysalis does and we look forward to a long relationship with her.”

Keynote speakers at the event will include Dr Wendy Peters, a clinician who was asked to deliver ‘corrective’ electric shock therapy to trans people in the 1970s, Dianne, founder of Chrysalis, Mark Broad, partner at Dutton Gregory LLP who has advised Chrysalis beneficiaries on their legal rights, Anna Murray, domestic abuse lead for Age UK and leading figure for trans support on the Isle of Wight and Dr Sue Ingamells, a consultant from Wessex Fertility who has worked with many trans clients.

Issues discussed at the conference will include the challenges faced by trans people in the past and present, local and national opportunities for the community, how to help change attitudes towards gender, gender identity and transition and help shape the future of Chrysalis with a consultation.

Chrysalis has 13 years’ experience working with transgender people and their significant others.

Scissor Sisters were formed in the gay nightlife scene in New York in 2001.

Their hits include Comfortably Numb, I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’, and Filthy/Gorgeous.

Ana also has a regular BBC 2 radio show, Disco Devotion.