World’s first trans MP to be subject of biopic
Two Australian-based film-makers have won the right to make a film about the life of Georgina Beyer, the world’s first transsexual MP.
Ms Beyer, who retired from politics last year, is co-operating with the producers of the film, which is said to have a sizeable budget.
“I’m not going to be one of those people that wants to be there every inch of the way and having some control over casting of course,” Ms Beyer told 3 News.
“It would be so easy to say someone glamorous like Halle Berry, but totally ridiculous to think it would be someone like that!”
Ms Beyer’s is a true rags-to-riches story.
Before undergoing her full sex change operation in 1984, she worked as a stripper and prostitute in Wellington and Sydney.
After the operation she became a successful actress and broadcaster, but didn’t begin her political career until 1992.
In 2002 a documentary about her life, Georgie Girl , was released internationally.
Over the past seven years she has made history for transgender people.
Not only was she the first transsexual in the world to be elected to national office, she was also the first transsexual in the world to be elected as a mayor, when she took office as mayor of Carterton in 1995.
Ms Beyer had served in the post of MP for Wairarapa since 1999, campaigning for the rights of LGBT people.
She successfully pressed for transgender people to be protected from discrimination in the Human Rights Act, and has also championed the rights of same-sex couples by supporting the Civil Union bill.
During her valedictory speech, made on Valentines Day 2007, Beyer retained her famous sense of humour. She said: “While I have relished the opportunity of being a member in this House, I am glad I do not possess one.”
