Georgina Beyer (November 1957 – 6 March 2023) was a New Zealand politician and Member of Parliament for the Labour Party. Born in Wellington Hospital, she was assigned male at birth and named after her grandfather, Lieutenant Colonel George Bertrand, who served in the Māori Battalion. Beyer was of European and Māori (Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Raukawa, and Ngāti Porou) descent. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she was sent to live with her grandparents on their farm in Taranaki during her mother’s second pregnancy. She attended several schools, including boarding school, before leaving at 16 to pursue an acting career.
Beyer lived in Australia for a time, where she experienced a traumatic sexual assault. Upon returning to New Zealand, she became involved in the Wellington gay nightclub scene as a singer and drag queen performer, and later worked as a sex worker. In 1984, she underwent gender-affirming surgery.
In 1995, Beyer was elected mayor of Carterton, becoming the world’s first openly transgender mayor. Ten years later, she made history again by becoming the world’s first openly transgender Member of Parliament. She was also one of the few former sex workers to hold political office. In addition to her political career, Beyer worked as a radio host and was part of the inaugural breakfast crew on radio station Today FM, then owned by Paul Henry, who she later defeated in the 1999 general election.
Georgina Beyer partner
Georgina Beyer, the former New Zealand politician, did not share much about her personal life, including whether she had a partner or not. While it is not clear whether she was married or had a significant other, her friend Scotty Kennedy said she was surrounded by her closest loved ones during her final weeks. Despite the lack of information about her romantic life, Beyer’s political achievements and legacy continue to inspire many.
Beyer’s battle with last-stage kidney failure in 2013 was a challenging time for her. She had to undergo dialysis four times a day and seven days a week before receiving a transplant in 2017. Her resilience and determination to overcome her health struggles were admirable and an inspiration to many who face similar challenges. Her strength and commitment to her values and goals made her a respected and beloved figure in New Zealand politics and society.