Background
Benestad, Esben was born on May 3, 1949 in Arendal, Aust Agder, Norway. Son of Magne Johan and Gunvor (Swensen) Benestad.
Benestad, Esben was born on May 3, 1949 in Arendal, Aust Agder, Norway. Son of Magne Johan and Gunvor (Swensen) Benestad.
Doctor of Medicine, U. Oslo, 1976; certified family therapist, Institute for Active Psychotherapy, Oslo, 1989.
Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad was originally known as just Esben Benestad, but often publishes work in the name which includes their alias Esther Pirelli, the name which is often used by the media. Even though the Justice Department originally refused to issue supplementary identity documents in the name of Benestad"s desired name, the local police eventually issued some unofficial documents. Benestad is married to sexologist Elsa Almås and is the parent of the film director Even Benestad.
In 2007, they took part in the reality television series Skal vi danse and was voted out after four episodes.
They told the talk show God kveld, Norge! that they was sometimes bullied by the judges because they criticised their transport identity while dancing. Benestad has been a minor political candidate for the Liberal Party.
Leader Norwegian Transvestite Organisation, 1984-1988. Lieutenant Norwegian Army Medical Corps, 1978-1979. Member Norwegian Medical Association, Norwegian Organisation Family Therapy, Nordic Association Sexology, European Network of Professionals in Transsexualism (board dirs.1993-), Harry Benjamin Society.
Married Liv Pedersen, August, 1970(divorced January 1988). Children: Elisabeth B., Even Godtfred B. Married Elsa Mari Almaas, June 18, 1988.