Queenstown Rotary Elects First Transgender President

By Carmarlena Murdaca

Queenstown Rotary Elects First Transgender President
The Queenstown Rotary Club has officially sworn in its first transgender president - the second in the national organisation' history.

Monica Mulholland was sworn into the role by departing president, Keith McIntosh, last night. In New Zealand, women were first admitted to Rotary clubs in 1989, with the first female club president elected in 2004.

At Tuesday’s changeover night, Monica thanked her former self “for the trials and tribulations that he’s been out through.” She also likened him to a booster rocked – “his job was done and he fell away”.

In addition, Monica thanked her wife, Joan Kiernan, local Rotary president Jan Chappell, president-elect Keith McIntosh, as well as another transgender woman (ex-president of another Rotary club) – “without her, I probably wouldn’t have been here today”.

Her agenda for the next year is to connect and inspire. “We will spend more time away from the traditional structure of having a meal and a lecture, and engage far more in activities which promote fellowship and friendship.

“We’re also going to connect more with our community.”

To read more about Monica Mulholland’s incredible journey, read her exclusive interview with MiNDFOOD here.

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