Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad | |
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Born | 3 May 1949 |
Occupation | Medical doctor and sexologist |
Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad (born 3 May 1949) is a Norwegian physician and sexologist who is also known as one of Norway's most prominent transpersons. Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad was originally known as just Esben Benestad, but often publishes work in the name which includes her alias Esther Pirelli, the name which is often used by the media.[1][2][3] Even though the Justice Department originally refused to issue supplementary identity documents in the name of Benestad's alter ego, the local police eventually issued some unofficial documents.
Benestad is married to sexologist Elsa Almås and is the father of the film director Even Benestad. Even Benestad made the documentary Alt om min far about his father.[4]
In 2007, he took part in the realty TV series Skal vi danse and was voted out after four episodes. He told the talk show God kveld, Norge! that he was sometimes mobbed by the judges because they criticised his identity while dancing.
Benestad has been a minor political candidate for the Liberal Party.