Today is the tenth anniversary of Georgina Beyer's grundbreaking achievement. On this date in 1999 she became the first open transperson in the world to be elected to a national legislative body when she defeated Paul Henry to win the Wairarapa seat for the NZ Labour party and become the world's first transsexual MP.
Traditionally, a new legislator is given 10 minute to make a Maiden Speech as a way to introduce themselves to their new colleagues.
On this 10th anniversary of Georgina's historic achievement, I leave you with an excerpt from tht speech.
Mr. Speaker, I can't help but mention the number of firsts that are in this Parliament. Our first Rastafarian… our first Polynesia n woman… and yes, I have to say it, I guess, I am the first transsexual in New Zealand to be standing in this House of Parliament. This is a first not only in New Zealand, ladies and gentlemen, but also in the world. This is an historic moment. We need to acknowledge that this country of ours leads the way in so many aspects. We have led the way for women getting the vote. We have led the way in the past, and I hope we will do so again in the future in social policy and certainly in human rights.
And hopefully there will be many others following in your footsteps over time.
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