A TRANSGENDER singer who led the charge for a Gay Pride event in Southampton hanged herself, an inquest heard.

Chrisie Edkins, 33, was found dead at home in Hope Road, West End, in June.

The well-known campaigner for equal rights had been undergoing gender reassignment treatment to become a woman for years but had not yet had an operation.

But the inquest heard she had been severely depressed in the months up to her death and was confused over her gender identity.

She was found by her partner of three years Kinga Sidorka, who said Miss Edkins would often have mood swings.

Miss Sidorka, of Jerome Court, Thornhill, said: “We would have bad days and good days but I loved her and she loved me.

“She said she did not know if she was going to be happier as a man or a woman. She was not sure completely.”

Miss Sidorka, who has a background in first aid, tried to resuscitate Miss Edkins but was unsuccessful and she was later pronounced dead at the scene.

The inquest also heard she had a history of drinking and had not been taking prescribed anti-depressants.

But Coroner for Central Hampshire Grahame Short said there was not enough evidence to record a verdict of suicide.

He said: “At the time of her death she had not had a full transition to become a woman and I believe that uncertainty was a major factor and her gender identity clearly troubled her.

“I think she was very confused in her mind as to her very existence and seems to have done something very impulsive.”

He recorded an open verdict at the Coroner’s Court in Winchester.

Chrisie had previously spoken to the Daily Echo about her campaigning work and her wish to see a Gay Pride event staged in her home city of Southampton.

Her friends and family have pledged to carry on the campaign in her memory.