Beyer Receives Iconic Status

Former mayor of Carterton and Labour MP Georgina Beyer – the world’s first transsexual to hold such positions – is interviewed by Boston publication Windy City Times about her recent selection as one of 31 individuals named by the American Equality Forum for the 28 GLBT History Month. Each year, GLBT History Month highlights the achievements of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender icons. The 31 icons, living or dead, are selected for their achievements in their field of endeavour, their status as a national hero, or their significant contribution to GLBT civil rights. Beyer is included alongside authors Tennessee Williams and Alice Walker, fashion designer Gianni Versace and photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. “To be selected as a GLBT icon is awesome and humbling,” Beyer says. “It has also helped to restore faith in myself and that the trials and tribulations [of my life] were a worthwhile endeavour.” Beyer resigned from parliament in February 2007. Her life is recounted in Cathy Casey’s 1999 biography Change for the Better.