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The International Conference on Engaging Communities is an initiative of the United Nations and the Government of the State of Queensland, Australia. It will explore issues related to community engagement and address the experiences, challenges and research affecting citizens, governments and organisations.
The world's first transgender Member of Parliament, Georgina Beyer is visiting Australia as a keynote speaker at the United Nations conference. Georgina will be in Brisbane from Saturday 13 August to Wednesday 17 August.
Georgina Beyer is an internationally-renowned advocate for the rights of gay, lesbian and transgender people. She believes all genuine and honest people should have equal opportunity to strive and achieve.
Most recently, Georgina has been a vocal supporter of legislation decriminalising prostitution, and setting up an alternative to marriage (Civil Unions) that is accessible to non-heterosexual couples. Georgina also has a member's bill in her name (Human Rights Gender Identity Amendment Bill) to end discrimination against transgendered people.
Georgina currently serves on Law & Order Select Committee and is the Chairperson of Social Services Select Committee. Previously Georgina served on the Local Government & Environment Select Committee, MMP Review Select Committee and Primary Production Select Committee.
Georgina Beyer was born in 1957 in New Zealand, and is part Māori. She worked as a stripper and prostitute in Wellington New Zealand. Ms Beyer then worked as an actor, entertainer and broadcaster.
She was elected Mayor of a provincial district council in 1995, and elected to Parliament in 1999 for the Wairarapa constituency, becoming the world's first transgender MP. She was re-elected in 2002 and is standing again this year for a non-constituency seat.
Georgina's election and the ensuing intense media focus threw her into the media spotlight and her life became the subject of the documentary Georgie Girl. The film has screened on POV in America (audience 250 million), CBC Canada, Channel 4 in the UK, Ireland and SBS in Australia, amongst many other countries.
Media Interviews
Please contact Adrienne Bailey from the Queensland Department of Main Roads where a room within the conference venue, fully equipped has been allocated for media interviews. Ms Bailey's contact details are 07 3306 7261 or email adrienne.j.bailey@mainroads.qld.gov.au
Or contact Tony Moore who will be managing press conferences, mobile 0407 144 495 phone 07 3306 7270.
Or messages can be left at Georgina's hotel, Rydges South Bank Hotel Brisbane, phone 07 3364 0800 fax 07 3364 0801.
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