First Lady: From Boyhood to Womanhood: The Incredible Story of New Zealand's Sex-Change Pioneer Liz Roberts

by Liz Roberts

This inspirational memoir tells the story of how, with the help of medical specialists working in previously uncharted territory, the author changed her name, her sex and her legal status in the 1970s, freeing her to live a new life as a woman. The little boy born Gary Roberts in 1950s Christchurch knew from his earliest years that he was different from the other boys. Gary overcame a violent childhood to train first as a florist, then a hairdresser. He moved to England and his talent as a couture clothing designer was spotted and encouraged. He released his own collection, which made headlines back in New Zealand. He also became sure that a permanent change of sexual identity was a real possibility and began treatment. It was Liz Roberts who returned to New Zealand. Ground-breaking surgery, two marriages, and much heartbreak punctuated Liz’s official transition from man to woman. Today, she still works as a designer and bespoke dressmaker. Her choices have made her enemies and admirers across the country, but few would doubt her strength and grace in tackling one of the most taboo life changes of all.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 4, 2015

Reviews

[Sharyn Shepherd · Rating 2 out of 5]

I knew Liz and was referred to in this book. Unfortunately it was inaccurate and referred to Liz as the first lady. She wasn't. An arch enemy of hers was the first to have a sex change in New Zealand (Vanessa Wedding). Liz was an extremely talented seamstress but chose to live a life of deceit because it was easier and she was very good at it. There is very little reference to this, but I don't think it's the fault of the author, Liz was very good at what she did and wouldn't have enjoyed telling the truth. There is very little reference to her formative years (as a sailor) and no reference to the men she ruined (for financial gain) or the people she destroyed out of jealousy. She spent some time in Australia where her dishonest activities continued and she was forced to return to New Zealand because her history made her ineligible to reside in Australia. Had she not returned she would have been deported. Her stories were embellished and self serving. For example, there is no mention that she was jailed for defrauding Television New Zealand for stealing from them (when she worked as a makeup artist) or the multiple occasions she escaped a prison sentence when her lawyer revealed her appearance posed a problem for the prison service because it did not match her legal status. Eventually that excuse did not work and she was jailed. Liz also committed crimes wearing a male wig, and strapped her breasts down assuming a male persona. Her sexual dalliances with a certain Detective saw many of her crimes go unpunished. The book is very thin on facts and greatly embellished to suit Liz's agenda at the expense of others, unbeknown to her author.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting read however the book felt very light considering the events in Liz's life and while that made for a quick read it could have been better.

[Liz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly constructed and in need of good edit. There is a story to tell, but this account is full of generalisations and contradictions. A disappointing book that never explores any aspect of life in any depth or with any insight. I have no idea why Elizabeth embarks on such disastrous relationships, and her friendships seem shallow.

[Belinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good story but the telling of it was a bit lacking.