A comprehensive list of famous and notable politicians around the world and throughout history.
The transgender community has fought for increased visibility and equal treatment around the world. The politicians on this list know that struggle firsthand – and as their nationalities prove, the trans experience isn't geographical. Some famous transgender politicians have held office in the United States, while other notable trans politicians have served in elected positions internationally. Many of the most famous transgender politicians have passionately advocated for LGBTQ rights.
Who will you find on this list of notable transgender politicians? Georgina Beyer lands in the top spot. Beyer is the first openly transgender person in the world to hold a national office, serving as a member of Parliament in New Zealand. In 1984, she had gender reassignment surgery to transition from male to female. She worked tirelessly as a champion for LGBT rights until she retired in 2006. Aya Kamikawa is Japan's only openly transgender politician, and Cambridge mayor Jenny Bailey and her partner, Jennifer Liddle, are both transgender women. Other trans politicians include Jamie Lee Hamilton, Jennifer Gale, and Kim Coco Iwamoto.
Which transgender politician inspires you? Take a look at this list and get in on the conversation in the comments section.
Georgina Beyer is the first openly transgender person in the world to hold a national office, serving as a member of the New Zealand Parliament. In 1984, she had gender reassignment surgery to transition from male to female. She worked tirelessly as a champion for LGBTQ rights until she retired in 2006.
Aya Kamikawa is Japan's only openly transgender politician. "My goal is to send a message to others, to educate them about people like me. Listen, transgender people are never going to be 100 percent accepted in society, but people need to understand that we exist, and I intend to do that by getting to know people in my local community," she said.
Amanda Simpson is the highest-ranking openly transgender appointee in American history. She has served as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Operational Energy since 2015.
Cambridge mayor Jenny Bailey and her partner, Jennifer Liddle, are both transgender women. "I'm proud that I managed to get through something which was quite difficult and managed to come out of it a better person. I certainly do not want it to eclipse being mayor," she said.
Jamie Lee Hamilton is the first trans person to ever run for office in Canada. She also sits on the board of directors for the Greater Vancouver Native Cultural Society.
