Queer of the Year award

item details

NameQueer of the Year award

ProductionXpress Awards NZ Ltd.; manufacturer; 1999; New Zealand

Classificationawards (objects)

Materialsplastic, wood, metal

DimensionsOverall: 202mm (width), 212mm (height), 98mm (depth)

Registration NumberGH026796

Credit lineGift in memory of Georgina Beyer, 2024

Overview

Georgina Beyer (Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Porou) (1957-2023) was awarded Queer of the Year in Politics for 1999 (she won again in 2007).

Beyer was the world's first openly transgender / whakawahine mayor and Member of Parliament. She was the mayor of Carterton from 1995-2000 (elected twice), and (Labour) Member of Parliament for Wairarapa from 1999-2007. Both victories surprised many as Wairarapa was a conservative rural electorate.

Beyer played many roles in her life, including as a sex worker, actor and drag performer. She was determined to live openly as transgender and had gender reassignment surgery in 1984 at the age of 27.

Beyer was a trailblazing activist, champion for LGBTQI+ communities, and campaigned for prostitution law reform and civil unions, and supported many Māori causes, including promoting Te Reo Māori. She won numerous awards, including being made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to LGBTQIA+ rights in 2020.