Marte Wexelsen Goksøyr (born 1982) is a Norwegian actress, public speaker, writer and public debater. Born with Down syndrome, she has made a public stance against stigmatisation of disabled people and against selective abortions.
Early life and education
Goksøyr grew up in Nittedal and has seven siblings. She later moved to Oslo.Rebekka Joswig (9 June 2012)Marte Wexelsen Goksøyr får Stolthetsprisen Vårt Land. Retrieved 7 March 2014 She studied drama at Hartvig Nissen School and at Romerike folk high school.
Theatre and documentary In 2004, Goksøyr played the lead role in Cinderella, a piece she had co-written. The play was performed at the Torshov Theatre. She played the role of Kamomilla in When the Robbers Came to Cardamom Town in 2004.Idalou Larsen Flerbunnet teaterlek Idalou.no. Retrieved 11 March 2014
She was featured in the 2007 NRK documentary Bare Marte (Just Marte). Together with Siv Svendsen, she has written the play "Jeg svarte på en drøm" (I answered a dream) which is partly based on her own life and she played one of the two characters.Hun som bare vil leve Aftenposten. Retrieved 7 March 2014 The piece has been performed at the National Theatre in Oslo.Marte Wexelsen Goksøyr Nationalteateret.no. Retrieved 7 March 2014
Public views In 2011, VG published an op-ed headlined "Utrydningstruet" (English: Endangered) by Goksøyr where she opposed a proposal to offer Norwegian women obstetric ultrasonography at week 12 during pregnancy in order to screen for fetus defects, including Down syndrome. She compared the proposal to the practice of killing disabled children in Nazi-Germany.Marte skapte oppstyr Nordlys. 16 February 2011. Retrieved 7 March 2014 Parliamentarian Laila Dåvøy of the Christian People's Party subsequently invited Goksøyr to the Parliament of Norway. After a meeting where Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg had answered questions in the Parliament related to the proposal, Goksøyr approached him in the hall with questions regarding the proposal wearing a T-shirt with the inscription "Utrydningstruet" (Endangered).NTB (18 February 2011) Varsler oppvask etter KrF-stunt VG. Retrieved 7 March 2014 The event created much media attention. Members of other parties criticised the Christian People's Party for having invited her to the hall area of the parliament.
In 2012, Goksøyr published the book Jeg vil leve (English: I want to live) which both focused on her own life as a person with Down syndrome and political issues related to the disorder. The book contained interviews with then Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, mayor of Oslo Fabian Stang, Goksøyr's parents and others.Hilde Bjørnskau (12 August 2013) Har Downs, skriver bok om mobbing NRK. Retrieved 7 March 2014
During the NRK broadcast of the Norwegian Constitution bicentennial 2014, Goksøyr spoke in favour of a diverse and inclusive society and against selective abortion of fetuses with Down syndrome.Jeg er ikke syk, jeg har et ekstra kromosom og jeg vil leve Vårt Land. Retrieved 7 March 2014
Awards and recognition Goksøyr has received several awards and was the first Norwegian woman to be awarded the Bjørnson Prize.
Honorary Award from the Norwegian Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (2009)Dagens litterære Gudbrandsdølen Dagningen. Retrieved 7 March 2014 Donation award in remembrance of Wenche Foss (2011) The Bjørnson Prize (with Ola Didrik Saugstad) (2011) Stolhetsprisen (English:: The Pride Prize). Awarded by the Norwegian Association of the Disabled and the Norwegian Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities. (2012) Livsvernprisen (English: The Protection of Life Prize) Awarded by the organization Menneskeverd. (2012)Randi Hegle (4 January 2012) «Utrydningstruet» får Livsvernprisen Vårt Land. Retrieved 6 March 2014
References