Gerd Brantenberg was born in Oslo in 1941. She has studied English, History, and Political Science, with a master in English from the University of Oslo.  After finishing her education, she worked as a teacher in Norwegian and Danish high schools. All her life, Brantenberg has participated in the establishment of, and been an activist in, different feminist and LGBT movements.

Brantenberg made her debut as an author in 1973 with “Opp alle jordens homofile”. In 1977 came the legendary sexual satire The Daughters of Egalia, which is has been translated into a wide range of languages, from Japan to USA. After The Daughters of Egalia, Brantenber has written 10 books, mostly novels for adults, but also a YA novel and a collection of essays.