Transgender New
Zealand politician steps down

New Zealand's first transgender person elected to a national office stepped down Wednesday from her seat in parliament. According to 365Gay.com, Georgina Beyer is rumored to be setting aside time to run for mayor of Wellington, the nation's capital. She has yet to confirm these rumors. Local elections will be held later this year.

Before Beyer transitioned, she worked as a stripper and escort in Australia, according to 365Gay.com. After the transition, she moved to New Zealand, working in a restaurant and becoming an LGBT rights activist.

She was elected mayor of a small town and later ran successfully for parliament as a member of the Labor Party. She has since been instrumental in upholding gay rights and helping to pass the country's civil union laws. (The Advocate)