Georgina Beyer is the world's first transsexual Member of Parliament, and is the current (2003) MP for the Wairarapa electorate in New Zealand.
Born George Bertrand in 1957 in Wellington, New Zealand he spent his early childhood on his grandparents farm in Taranaki. Later he shifted to Wellington to live with his mother, who had subsequently married Colin Beyer, a prominent lawyer. Georgina is Maori, of Te Ati Awa, Ngati Mutunga, Ngati Raukawa and Ngati Porou descent. As a child, George had an unusual fascination with dressing up in womens clothing which lead to an interest in acting. Shortly after leaving school, George discovered Wellington's gay scene, and at the age of 17 decided to switch from George to Georgina, taking female hormones in order to develop breasts and a female body shape.
She then commenced a life as a transsexual stripper and prostitute working in nightclubs and on the street. She eventually gravitated to Kings Cross, Sydney, probably Australasia's most notorious red light district. There she foolishly got into a car with four men who brutally raped her. This incident apparently persuaded her to seek to change the course of her life.
Returning to New Zealand she continued to work as a stripper and drag queen, but also began seeking work as an actor with gradually increasing success, culminating in a Gofta award. At this time she also finally underwent a sex change operation.
After shifting to Carterton in Wairarapa she worked as a radio host. She also began to take an interest in local politics, first winning election to a local school board, and subsequently being elected mayor of Carterton in 1995, serving in that role until 2000. This made her the worlds first transsexual mayor.
In 2002 she surprised the political commentators by beating National's Paul Henry to win the Wairarapa seat for Labour. This makes her the world's first transsexual member of parliament.
She is currently Deputy Chairperson of the Law and Order Select Committee and Chairperson of the Social Services Select Committee.
Georgina has become an instantly recogniseable New Zealand personality and is widely admired for her intelligence and wit.
Traditionally, newly-elected MPs have the floor for ten minutes to introduce themselves to their new colleagues. An excerpt from Georgina Beyer's maiden speech follows.
- Mr. Speaker, I can't help but mention the number of firsts that are in this Parliament. Our first Rastafarian ... our first Polynesian woman ... and yes, I have to say it, I guess, I am the first transsexual in New Zealand to be standing in this House of Parliament. This is a first not only in New Zealand, ladies and gentlemen, but also in the world. This is an historic moment. We need to acknowledge that this country of ours leads the way in so many aspects. We have led the way for women getting the vote. We have led the way in the past, and I hope we will do so again in the future in social policy and certainly in human rights.
- I was quoted once as saying that 'This was the stallion that became a gelding, and now she's a mayor.' (1) I suppose I do have to say that I have now found myself to be a Member! So I have come full circle, so to speak.
1. In New Zealand "mayor" is pronounced much like "mare".
