Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad (2021)

Professor Emerit Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad is a Norwegian doctor and PhD researcher who specializes in clinical sexology. The retired professor from the University of Agder was one of the first professors specializing in sexology in Norway.

A prominent advocate of transgender rights, Pirelli Benestad is this year’s recipient of the gold medal for a lifelong contribution to sexology and sexual health from the World Association for Sexual Health.

“If a human talent is discriminated against or pathologized, it becomes a curse. If welcomed by the owner and those around, it becomes a gift”.

Once a participant on the popular TV show Dancing with the Stars, and a representative for a local political party, Pirelli Benestad continues to spread the word about being true to one’s self and others.