Georgina Beyer made history as the world’s first openly transgender Member of Parliament (MP). She was a well-respected politician and a tireless advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community
On March 6, 2023, she passed away at the Mary Potter Hospice in Wellington, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Born on June 2, 1957, in the rural town of Taumarunui, New Zealand, Georgina grew up in a farming family. After leaving school, she worked as a stripper and sex worker for several years before pursuing a career in entertainment. She became a successful drag performer and a television personality, hosting her own show called Georgie Girl.
In 1995, Georgina entered politics, winning a seat on the Carterton District Council. She went on to become the mayor of Carterton, making history as the first openly transgender mayor in the world. Her successful stint as a mayor earned her the nickname “the people’s princess.”
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Table of Contents
Georgina Beyer: Who was She?
Georgina Beyer’s political career continued to soar, and in 1999, she won a seat in the New Zealand Parliament as a member of the Labour Party.1
She was a passionate advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and worked tirelessly to promote equality and social justice.
One of Georgina’s most significant achievements was her support for the Civil Union Act of 2004, which legalized civil unions for same-sex couples in New Zealand.
She also played a crucial role in the passage of the Prostitution Reform Act of 2003, which decriminalized sex work and provided sex workers with better protection and support.
New Zealand’s Georgina Beyer, world’s first openly transgender MP, dies https://t.co/nJAUn1b4MT pic.twitter.com/K0m7jrBYrz
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 6, 2023
Georgina’s Personal Life
Georgina Beyer was open about her gender identity and her personal life. She was single and never married, but she did have a long-term partner, Andreas Derleth, who sadly passed away in 2019.
Georgina often spoke about the challenges of being a transgender person in a society that did not fully accept or understand her.
Georgina’s Legacy
Georgina Beyer was a trailblazing politician and a passionate advocate for social justice. Her life and career continue to inspire people around the world, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community. Her legacy will live on through the many people she touched and the causes she championed.
Georgina Beyer’s passing is a great loss to the world, but her memory will live on through her achievements and the impact she had on so many people’s lives. She will be remembered as a pioneering politician, a fierce advocate for the rights of the marginalized, and a true inspiration to all who knew her. Rest in peace, Georgina Beyer.
Georgina Beyer: Transgender Activist
Georgina Beyer, a trailblazing politician and transgender activist, was born George Bertrand in Wellington, New Zealand in November 1957.2
Despite a difficult childhood, she rose to become a celebrated figure in her country and beyond. In this article, we will delve into the life and legacy of Georgina Beyer, from her early days to her death on March 6, 2023.
Early Life and Family Background
Georgina was raised by her parents Jack Bertrand and Neoline in Wellington, but her father abandoned the family when she was young.
Her parents divorced when she was around 12 or 13 years old, and she moved to Taranaki, a Maori region on the North Island of New Zealand, to live with her mother’s family. Later, she moved back to Wellington to live with her mother and stepfather Colin Beyer, who was an attorney.
Georgina Beyer: First Transgender MP
Georgina Beyer made history in 1995 by becoming the world’s first openly transgender mayor when she was elected as the mayor of Carterton, a small town in New Zealand.3
In 1999, she was elected as a member of parliament, making her the first openly transgender person to hold such a position anywhere in the world. She held the seat for two terms until 2007.
During her political career, Beyer championed causes such as LGBTQ rights, indigenous rights, and social justice. She was also known for her charismatic personality and sharp wit, which endeared her to many.
Kidney Transplant and End-Stage Renal Failure
Georgina Beyer was also a kidney transplant survivor who battled end-stage renal failure since 2013. She managed the disease with four-times daily dialysis until 2017 when she received a kidney transplant.
Speaking about her experience, she said that it was the most challenging health issue she had ever faced. Unfortunately, Georgina Beyer passed away at the age of 65 in hospice care. Her cause of death has not been revealed.
Georgina Beyer’s impact on New Zealand and the world is immeasurable. She was a pioneer and trailblazer for LGBTQ rights and transgender visibility, paving the way for many others to follow in her footsteps.
Her election to parliament broke down barriers and shattered stereotypes, proving that transgender people could be successful politicians and leaders. She will be remembered as a fierce advocate for social justice and as a trailblazer who inspired many.
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Georgina Beyer: Career
Georgina Beyer’s life was full of challenges and triumphs, and she will be remembered as a trailblazer, politician, and activist who made an indelible mark on New Zealand and the world.
Her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched and inspired. While her passing is a great loss, her impact and influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Georgina Beyer was a woman of many talents. Not only was she a trailblazing transgender politician, but she also had a passion for acting. Let’s take a closer look at her acting career and personal life.
Acting Career
Georgina discovered her love for acting during her teenage years, and she even put her education on hold to pursue it. She began her career at Wellington Theatre in 1972 before moving to Auckland, New Zealand, where she appeared in various television shows, films, and radio programs.
Some of her notable acting credits include A Death in the Family (1987), Close to Home, Shark in the Park, Shortland Street, Inside Straight (1984), and Jewel’s Darl (1986).
Her performance in Jewel’s Darl earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Guild of Film & Television Arts Awards in 1987.
Georgina Beyer: Personal Life
Georgina was never married until her unfortunate passing. She publicly revealed that she had never been in a serious relationship 10 years before her death.
According to her, her focus was on serving as a mayor and a member of parliament, which left little room for romance.
Georgina Beyer was a remarkable woman who achieved many firsts in her life. She paved the way for other transgender politicians and actors to follow in her footsteps. Her passion for acting and dedication to public service will always be remembered.
Georgina Beyer: Political Career
Georgina Beyer, the first openly transgender person to be elected to a national parliament, has had an unconventional career path.
Before she entered the world of politics, Georgina had previously worked as a drag queen, sex worker, and actor. Her story is one of resilience and determination, as she faced numerous challenges and hardships throughout her journey.
Starting Out in the LGBTQIA+ Community
Georgina’s journey began when she joined the LGBTQIA+ community, which led to her being without a job for many years.
To make ends meet, she started working as a drag queen in a gay club in Wellington, New Zealand. However, the income she earned from this was not enough to sustain her livelihood.
Turning to Sex Work
Georgina made the tough decision to enter the sex industry to make ends meet. Although it provided her with a steady source of income, it was a challenging and dangerous line of work.
During this period, Georgina was sexually assaulted by a group of men. The incident left her traumatized, and she was unable to speak to anyone about it or report it to the police.
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Overcoming Adversity
The sexual assault had a profound impact on Georgina’s mental health. She spent months battling depression and even contemplated suicide.
However, she found the strength to keep going and made a life-changing decision to become a trans woman. She believed that it was time for her to make a difference and fight for the rights of marginalized communities.
Becoming a Political Leader
Georgina’s journey led her to become a prominent political figure. In 1995, she was elected as the Mayor of Carterton, New Zealand, becoming the first openly transgender mayor in the world. She then went on to become a Member of Parliament for the Wairarapa constituency in 1999, where she served for six years.
Georgina’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. She faced numerous challenges and hardships throughout her journey, but she never gave up. Her determination to make a difference in the world led her to become a trailblazer and an inspiration to many.
Georgina Beyer: Death
- Georgina Beyer, a former New Zealand Member of Parliament and a well-known LGBTQ rights activist, passed away at the age of 65 after a long battle with kidney disease.
- She was the world’s first openly transgender parliamentarian, and her legacy as a trailblazer will not soon be forgotten.
- Beyer was elected to national parliament in 1999, becoming the first openly transgender MP in the world.
- Before entering politics, she worked as an actor, sex worker, and drag queen.
- She also served as the mayor of Carterton, a rural town in New Zealand’s North Island.
- During her time in parliament, Beyer worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ community. She was a strong supporter of the legalisation of civil unions and same-sex marriage, as well as the decriminalisation of prostitution.
- In 2003, Beyer spoke before parliament in support of a bill to reform prostitution laws.
- She spoke passionately about the need to protect the rights and dignity of sex workers, saying, “I support this bill for all the prostitutes I have ever known who have died before the age of 20 because of the inhumanity and hypocrisy of a society that would not ever give them the chance to redeem whatever circumstances made them arrive in that industry.”
- In 2020, Beyer was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of her services to the LGBTQ community.
- Despite her achievements, Beyer faced many challenges throughout her life. She struggled with kidney disease for many years, and in 2017 she received a kidney transplant after four years of end-stage renal failure that required daily dialysis.
- Beyer passed away in hospice care on Monday, surrounded by her loved ones.
- Prime Minister Chris Hipkins praised her legacy, saying that she had made a lasting impression on parliament and on New Zealand as a whole.
- Georgina Beyer will be remembered as a passionate advocate for the rights of marginalized communities and a courageous trailblazer who paved the way for others to follow.
- Her legacy will live on, inspiring future generations to fight for justice and equality for all.
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