Let's get Georgina to Oxford!

$4,130 donated
Given by 53 generous donors in 10 weeks

Let's get Georgina Beyer to Oxford and beyond to share her inspiring story of her journey to being the world's first openly transsexual MP.

Wellington

Georgina Beyer is our living taonga. This October, she has been invited to speak at the prestigious Oxford Union, a platform that has been occupied by the likes of Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein and the Dalai Lama.

Georgina is the first Māori speaker and only the fourth New Zealander invited to speak at the Oxford Union, following in the footsteps of David Lange, Helen Clark and Dame Catherine Healy.

Georgina’s incredible life story is the stuff of legends. Captured in print and on film, her journey from nightclub singer, drag performer and sex worker to Mayor of Carterton – one of New Zealand's most conservative, white, farming towns – and eventually into Parliament as the world's first openly transsexual MP, is inspirational.

Following a successful kidney transplant last year, Georgina has enjoyed a period of stable health, having endured several years of chronic kidney disease which devastated her life. Since receiving the new kidney, Georgina's renewed public life has taken her on a path of speaking engagements and she is once again receiving the respect, recognition and mana that she deserves.

The invitation to address the Oxford Union is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Aotearoa New Zealand to share one of its most inspirational people. Georgina intends to take full advantage of this opportunity. She has subsequently been invited to speak at the prestigious Cambridge Union, and is particularly keen to engage with LGBTIQ+ audiences and communities while in the UK.

Of course, all of this comes at a huge cost – international travel, transport to and from venues, accommodation, daily living costs – and it is for these costs that we are seeking to raise funds.

Every little bit donated will assist Georgina Beyer to get to the Oxford Union, and to be comfortable and capably supported on her journey, so she can share her remarkable story upon the world stage!

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/105515701/former-politician-georgina-beyer-invited-to-speak-at-the-oxford-union

Val Little's involvement (page creator)

I am a personal acquaintance and a long-time admirer of Georgina and the work she has done for the LGBTQI+ communities in Aotearoa. She has supported the Paekakariki Pride Festival from its inception and we (organisers) wish to give something back to Georgina to show our deep gratitude.

Use of funds

Money will be spent on return air travel, transport to and from speaking engagements, accommodation and daily living costs.

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Latest update

A huge heartfelt thanks  20 October 2018

Georgina leaves for the UK today and has asked to send a huge heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your generous donation and kind words of support and encouragement.

Read the following article for more information about the trip and we'll keep you updated as we hear more.

https://i.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/107611247/National-Portrait-Georgina-Beyer-is-back-and-ready-for-some-fighting-talk-at-Oxford-Union

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Latest donations

Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 15 Oct 2018
I worked at Clowns a restaurant on KRd for a bit. I met Georgina back then and wish her all the best as she continues her incredible journey through life.
$30
Fiona Samuel
Fiona Samuel on 15 Oct 2018
$25
Jonty Hendry
Jonty Hendry on 14 Oct 2018
Go Georgina! Knock 'em dead! Arohanui.
$20
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 14 Oct 2018
Thank you for everything you do and have done for us all, Georgina. You make me truly proud to be a Kiwi.
$5
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 12 Oct 2018
Go Georgina!
$15

Who's involved?

Val Little's avatar
Created by Val Little
Georgina Beyer's avatar
Paying to a verified bank account of Georgina Beyer
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This campaign started on 17 Aug 2018 and ended on 31 Oct 2018.