A SOUTHAMPTON trans charity have announced their newest patron and speaker for their annual conference.

Chrysalis, a charity tackling transgender isolation, is hosting their #GenderIdentityMatters2020 conference next year.

It has been revealed Sophie Labelle, the creator of AssignedMale webcomics, author, cartoonist and public speaker, is Chrysalis' newest patron.

She will also be speaking at the conference, at Bournemouth University, as well as appearing at The Art House, Southampton and other venues across the South.

Andi Maratos, CEO of Chrysalis, said: "Sophie brings to Chrysalis her passion for inclusion: for giving trans people representation and visibility and providing an amusing look on the issues that affect all trans people.

"Sophie opened our first Wellbeing in Southampton last year and it is with great pleasure that I can announce she will be speaking at our conference at Bournemouth University."

Andi added: "If you are wondering how to be a better ally, want to see yourself in print or to help a child understand a bit more about what it is to be trans and why allies are important then I can think of no better resource than Sophie’s AssignedMale comics and books."

Scissor Sister Ana Matronic is also a patron at the Warsash-based charity and has made appearances at previous Chrysalis events.

Ana has been campaigning and supporting the LGBTQ+ community for much of her life, one of the reasons being that her father was gay and died of Aids in 1990.

Chrysalis’ third conference, #GenderIdentityMatters2020, will be an exploration of everyone’s identity, of gender and authenticity.

It is a chance to think about inclusion and why it matters to you and your organisation. International speakers Joanne Lockwood and Sophie Labelle will be at the conference in Bournemouth University on April 14, 2020.

Andi said: "Thanks to the generosity of Bournemouth University we are able to offer this incredible training opportunity for only the small cost of a £5 booking fee and bookings will be open very soon."

Contact info@chrysalis-gii.org if you are interested in getting involved, want to reserve a place or speak to Chrysalis about sponsorship.