Georgina Beyer

 

Tears as Beyer gains queer accolade

 

10.07.2000

 

By KATHERINE HOBY

Transsexual MP Georgina Beyer was brought to tears when named Supreme Queer of the Year at the Queer of the Year Awards 2000 on Saturday.

Awards organiser Marc van Moorsel said Ms Beyer was a deserving and gracious winner of one of the top awards.

He said the evening was very glamorous. "Lucy Lawless was a guest presenter and looked absolutely gorgeous. There were people arriving in limos and those who had outfits made for the night and their hair done," he said.

"The community vibe and good feelings involved were unbelievable."

Prime Minister Helen Clark was named Straight Ally of the Year, while National Party leader Jenny Shipley was a finalist in the Hall of Shame award, for backing down on proposed rights for those in de facto relationships.

John Stringer, National's Christchurch Central candidate in last year's election, won the Hall of Shame award for an attack on Labour MP Tim Barnett's views on same-sex marriage.

Former politician Fran Wilde received the Hero Lifetime Achievement Award for being the driving force behind the 1986 Homosexual Law Reform.

Other winners included: Topp Twins (entertainment), Cathy Millen for weightlifting (sport), Tim Barnett (politics), Gareth Farr (music), Aids activist Jonathan Smith (community service), writer Noel Virtue (arts), and The Women's Book Shop owner Carol Beu (business).

The Hero Trust acknowledged Rex Halliday as the hero of the decade. Mr Halliday is the originator of the Hero Festival.