What was Georgina Beyers Cause of Death? What happened to Georgina Beyer?
by Krishika M
Updated Mar 06, 2023
What was Georgina Beyer cause of death?
Georgina Beyer, a prominent LGBTQ rights activist and the world's first openly transgender member of parliament, has passed away at the age of 65. Despite her long-standing struggle with kidney disease, the cause of death has not been disclosed in official statements. Beyer, who had previously worked as a sex worker, actor, and drag performer, was elected to the New Zealand national parliament in 1999 after serving as the mayor of Carterton, a rural town located on the country's North Island. She held her position as a Labour MP until 2007.
What happened to Georgina Beyer?
Georgina Beyer, the world's first openly transgender member of parliament who made history in 1999 as a trailblazing New Zealand politician, passed away peacefully in hospice care on Monday at the age of 65. The exact cause of death has not yet been disclosed, although Beyer had been dealing with kidney failure and received a transplant in 2017.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins expressed his condolences and recognized Beyer's significant impact on the country's politics, noting that she had a large following and inspired others to follow in her footsteps. A friend of Beyer, Malcolm Vaughan, who had known her for many years, released a statement on behalf of himself and his husband Scott Kennedy, and was not yet prepared to discuss her life in detail.
Georgina Beyer illness
Georgina Beyer was an entertainer, activist, trailblazing politician, and actor, whose life was full of excitement and public attention. Her contributions to society were acknowledged by New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who recognized her role as a trailblazer that made it easier for others to follow.
Beyer began her public life as a singer, drag queen, and sex worker before transitioning to politics. She made history as New Zealand's first transgender mayor in 1995 and later as the country's first transgender member of parliament in 1999, defeating National's candidate and broadcaster Paul Henry.
Born in Wellington, Beyer underwent sex reassignment surgery in 1984, inspired by her friend Carmen. Her life was the subject of a documentary called "Georgie Girl" in 2001.
In parliament, Beyer fought for civil unions and the reform of prostitution laws. She spoke out against discrimination faced by children of same-sex couples, saying that such discrimination was unacceptable. In her later years, Beyer campaigned for live organ donation and received a kidney transplant in 2017 after enduring four years of end-stage renal failure.
Georgina Beyer was recognized for her contributions in 2020 in the Queens Birthday Honours, and despite her health struggles, she remained positive, as demonstrated by her appearance on The Masked Singer in July of that year. She spoke of overcoming recent issues and moving forward. Beyer passed away on Monday afternoon while in hospice care, with her family by her side constantly over the past week. Even up until her final moments, she remained cheerful and cracking jokes, with a noticeable twinkle in her eye.
Georgina Beyer age
Georgina was 65 years old when she died. Georgina Beyer was born at Wellington Hospital in 1957 and was initially identified as male. Her parents, Noeline and Jack Bertrand, named her after her grandfather, Lieutenant Colonel George Bertrand, who was the second in command in the Māori Battalion. Her family, who had both Māori (Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Raukawa, and Ngāti Porou) and European heritage, were residing in Hataitai at the time of her birth. During her mother's second pregnancy, which resulted in the birth of a child who was subsequently placed for adoption, Beyer was sent to live with her grandparents on their farm in Taranaki. Her parents separated and divorced by 1962.
What was Georgina Beyer cause of death - FAQs
Georgina Beyer was a trailblazing New Zealand politician who made history in 1999 as the world's first openly transgender member of parliament. She had previously been a sex worker, actor, and drag queen before entering politics. Throughout her career, Beyer was a tireless advocate for LGBTQ rights and made significant contributions to New Zealand's political landscape.
During her time in parliament, Beyer was a vocal supporter of LGBTQ rights and was involved in the passing of several landmark pieces of legislation, including the Prostitution Reform Act of 2003 and the Civil Union Act of 2004. She also served as mayor of Carterton and was involved in a number of local community initiatives.
Beyer faced significant discrimination and harassment throughout her career, both as a transgender individual and as a politician. She often had to endure personal attacks and offensive comments, and was once even physically assaulted by a fellow MP. Despite these challenges, she persevered and became a powerful voice for marginalized communities in New Zealand.
Beyer's contributions to New Zealand politics and society were significant and far-reaching. Her advocacy for LGBTQ rights helped to shift public attitudes and pave the way for greater acceptance and inclusion. She also served as an inspiration to other marginalized individuals and communities, showing that it is possible to overcome obstacles and make a difference in the world.
Georgina Beyer's legacy today is one of courage, resilience, and activism. She remains an important symbol of progress and social change, and her contributions continue to inspire and empower others. Her impact can be seen in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ rights and in the growing recognition of the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equality in all aspects of society.