World’s only transgendered MP to become Polish deputy parliament speaker?

[Shana A]

World's only transgendered MP to become Polish deputy parliament speaker?
30.01.2013 12:03
Anna Grodzka, Poland and the world's only transgendered MP, says she is willing to stand for the post of deputy speaker of parliament "if my party supports me".

http://www.thenews.pl/1/9/Artykul/125692,Worlds-only-transgendered-MP-to-become-Polish-deputy-parliament-speaker

The MP for the liberal Palikot Movement – Poland's third largest party in the lower house of parliament (Sejm) - has been put forward for the post by her party leader, Janusz Palikot.

[...]

The 58 year-old Anna Grodzka, who underwent a sex-change operation in 2010 and was elected as an MP in the 2011 general election, told the TVN 24 news station on Tuesday night that she "had received the offer [for the post of deputy speaker] and my answer was yes, provided that the party will help me".

She said that taking up the post could help in the campaign for equality for sexual minorities in Poland.

[Natasha]

Transsexual could be new deputy speaker in Poland

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/130201/transsexual-could-be-new-deputy-speaker-poland
2/1/13
Agence France-Presse

She made history as Poland's first transsexual lawmaker in 2011 and now Anna Grodzka could become a deputy speaker of parliament in this deeply Roman Catholic nation.

Born as a man, Grodzka, 58, was nominated Thursday for the position by party colleagues in the left-wing, anti-clerical Palikot Movement, which advocates legalising marijuana and civil unions for gay couples.

[peky]

Great news for our beautiful Polish sis and bros...BZ Anna

[Shana A]

Poland's trans MP blocked from deputy parliament speaker post
Poland's first transgender MP has been blocked from being elected to the prestigious post of deputy parliament speaker
08 February 2013 | By Dan Littauer

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/polands-trans-mp-blocked-deputy-parliament-speaker-post080213

Poland's first transgender lawmaker bid to become a deputy speaker in parliament has been blocked, after a representative she might have replaced refused to resign and lawmakers voted to keep her in place.

Anna Grodzka who was elected in 2011 to become member of Poland's lower house (Sejm), has been in the spotlight when she became a potential candidate for a deputy speaker post.

Even though the position is now unavailable, the 58-year-old has already had a huge impact on the political scene, becoming perhaps the most prominent symbol of liberal change in a traditionally conservative and largely Catholic country.

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Polish trans MP Anna Grodzka loses out on deputy speaker job in parliamentary vote
by Corinne Pinfold
8 February 2013, 12:11pm

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/02/08/polish-trans-mp-anna-grodzka-loses-out-on-deputy-speaker-job-in-parliamentary-vote/

Jacek Kucharczyk, president of the Institute of Public Affairs in Warsaw, said that Ms Grodzka's nomination was a sign that "certain taboos are being dismantled" in Poland.

However, stigmas against LGBT people are still prevalent in Polish political spheres. Krystyna Pawlowicz, a Law and Justice member of parliament commented on Ms Grodzka's gender reassignment.

Ms Pawlowicz said she had a "boxers face", and went on to say: "Ms Grodzka, it's not like when you stuff yourself full of hormones you become a woman. The genetic code decides this. Let's do a blood test. Nothing will change that, no operation."

[spacial]

I won't claim to have any significant understanding of Polish politics, but this was in the Pink News piece:

Ms Nowicka, MP for the Palikot Movement, was called on by party leader Janusz Palikot to stand down after it emerged that she had taken a 40,000 zloty (£8,000) bonus, contravening her party's stance on bonuses.

Mr Palikot nominated Ms Grodzka to fill the role, but MPs voted overwhelmingly to keep Ms Nowicka in the role.

After hearing the result Mr Palikot asked: "Is someone afraid of Anna Grodzka? Why you do not want to respect the tradition that every [political party] has the right to self-determination?"

He said that the vote could tarnish the reputation of Polish politicians, who have come under fire recently for taking bonuses during a financial downturn.

The five deputy speakers have said they will give money to charity to apologise for the controversial bonuses.

"The decision of the House not to dismiss me from the function of deputy speaker confirms my deep conviction that there is no substantive reason for me to submit my resignation," said Ms Nowicka.

Now it could be that the reason the MPs voted to keep the incumbent was a personal attack upon the proposed replacement. Or it could just be that this is what it seems, the MPs didn't like being railroaded by a party leader. That the porposed replacement is transgender is not an issue.

It's sad that some have made negative comments, but it that could simply be association.

Give we don't

[Shana A]

Anna Grodzka, Polish Transgender Lawmaker, Loses Shot At Top Post

VANESSA GERA   02/08/13 10:45 AM ET EST  AP

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/08/anna-grodzka-polish-transgender-lawmaker-loss_n_2644983.html

WARSAW, Poland — The before and after photos of Anna Grodzka show how much she – and her country – have transformed.

As a man, she once wore a thick beard. Now, Poland's first transsexual lawmaker favors big dangly earrings, her hair in a bob.

Grodzka attracted huge attention when she was elected in 2011, and earned even more recently when she became a candidate to be a deputy speaker for her leftwing party.

She lost that chance on Friday when lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to keep the incumbent in the job. Even so, the 58-year-old has already had a huge impact on the political scene, becoming perhaps the most prominent symbol of liberal change in a country that has traditionally been deeply conservative and overwhelmingly Roman Catholic.