Tribute: Vale Jazmin Theodora, Nimbin ‘trans icon’, psychic, dies

A colourful Nimbin “icon” who forged a career as an exotic dancer in swinging 1960s Sydney and later became a popular psychic is being remembered as a “trans woman of exceptional talent”. Read the tributes

Nimbin "icon" and "trans icon" Jazmin Theodora has died, aged 85. Picture: Supplied.

A colourful Nimbin “icon” who forged a career as an exotic dancer in swinging 1960s Sydney and later became a popular psychic is being remembered as a “trans woman of exceptional talent”.

Jazmin Theodora, 85, died last Thursday at her home in Nimbin, Australia’s countercultural capital, which has long been a refuge for those seeking out an alternative lifestyle.

Leading LGBTQIA+ organisation Qtopia Sydney shared a heartfelt tribute, saying Ms Theodora was a “trans woman of exceptional talent” and had cultivated a successful career touring Europe and Asia in the 1960s and 70s as an exotic dancer and psychic before settling in Nimbin until her death.

Ms Theodora forged a career in entertainment in swinging 1960s Sydney before working abroad in Europe and Asia. Picture: Supplied.

“While dancing, she was best known by her stage name Julie London,” Qtopia wrote.

“Having lived in Sydney during the 1950s, Jazmin recounted to curators dark memories of being held in the cells of the old Darlinghurst Police Station – the building that is now Qtopia Sydney.

“Sadly, Jazmin, who was a key contributor to our current exhibition ‘becoming…’, passed away peacefully at home in Nimbin NSW, aged 85 on April 11, 2024.”

Ms Theodora first openly identified as a woman in 1955. She underwent gender reassignment surgery overseas in 1969 at the height of her dancing and performing career.

Legalise Cannabis Party president and Nimbin HEMP Embassy president Michael Balderstone said Ms Theodora was “extraordinarily popular” in Nimbin, often giving psychic readings to tourists and day trippers by the roadside.

She was beloved by the Nimbin community. Pictures: Supplied.

“She was beloved by the community and from what I understand was quite crook for a while,” he said.

“Nimbin is tolerant of everyone. And she was a beauty. Jazmin found refuge in Nimbin which offered her a non-judgmental and peaceful way of life.”

The Nimbin Country Women’s Association (CWA) said Ms Theodora was “very beloved and well-respected within our community and beyond”.

“We loved that she wore her CWA Nimbin Branch badge at all times,” a spokesperson said.

“Jazmin fully lived a rich, long life and was a fountain of knowledge in so many fields. She was an Elder whom we all cherished greatly. We offer our deep condolences to her brother, and all who loved her. Go gently into the beyond, dearest Jazmin xx.” ️

A friend, Peter Lehner, said Ms Theodora was a “forceful triple Sagittarius on earth and now in spirit forever a formidable faerie”.

Ms Theodora starred in a documentary, ‘Fearless’. Picture: Supplied.

Other Nimbin residents flooded Facebook with tributes.

Jason Crilly wrote: “We will miss U. Love and forever in our heart. ️Thank you for all the love and magic you brought to us all xo.”

Nick Hanlon added: “I loved her, what a legend. Such a wonderful spirit. Shine on Jazmin.”

Ella Risebrow wrote: “An amazing being. Much love.”

Ms Theodora, on camel (front). Picture: Supplied.

Ruth Miller chimed in: “She was a darling. A special being who will be greatly missed. Fly free Jazmin.” ‍️

Tree Rivva added: “Beautiful earth angel.”

One resident, Magnus Dean, said he delivered Ms Theodora meals at the height of the pandemic, saying “she was a truly beautiful soul” and “we’d sit and chat about life”.

Ms Theodora was the subject of a documentary called ‘Fearless’, directed by Bangalow-based filmmaker and producer Nicole Sullivan, who described her as “always staying true to herself and paying no mind to those who wanted to tear her down”.

“I was so fortunate to be given the opportunity to tell a very small part of Jazmin’s story through my short film. Jazmin was such a delight to interview and film, a natural in front of the camera. So charismatic, internally and externally beautiful, funny and so very wise,” Ms Sullivan told NewsLocal.

“Jazmin taught me that no matter what age you are, time is on your side and never give up on your dreams.”

“Aside from my personal interaction with Jazmin I know she has inspired so many others with her life living as a woman since 1955. Facing so many social and cultural barriers of the time, she was always true to herself through and through.

“Going overseas in 1969 to get her reassignment surgery and a continued successful career dancing all over the world before returning home to Australia before settling in the Northern Rivers as a tarot reader.”

Fearless showed in film festivals all over the world, including the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2003 and Queer Screen’s 30th Mardi Gras Film Festival last year.

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