Is Robina Asti Trans?

Who is Robina Asti?

Robina Asti, born on April 7, 1921, was a renowned American pilot and a prominent figure in transgender activism. Born as Robert Asti in New York City, she served her nation in the U.S. Navy during the tumultuous times of World War II. After the war, Asti transitioned to a career in aviation, showcasing her skills as a commercial pilot and flight instructor. Her life was not only marked by her professional accomplishments in the military and aviation sectors, but also by her significant contributions to the transgender community. Asti passed away on February 2, 2021, leaving behind a legacy of courage and advocacy.

What made Robina Asti famous?

Asti’s rise to fame was not an easy journey. Transitioning from male to female at the age of 55 in 1976, after marrying her second wife Norwood Patton two years prior, she faced numerous hurdles, including job loss and discrimination. Yet, undeterred by these challenges, Asti continued her passion for aviation, flying and teaching aspiring pilots, and eventually became one of the oldest active flight instructors in the United States. Her fame took a significant leap after the death of her husband in 2012, when she emerged as a leading advocate for transgender rights, using her personal experiences to inspire and fight for change.

Is Robina Asti trans?

Asti’s rise to prominence can be attributed to her relentless fight against discrimination and her enduring spirit. After her marriage, she was initially denied survivor benefits by the Social Security Administration, which failed to recognize her as a woman. However, Asti challenged this decision with the assistance of Lambda Legal, a civil rights organization, and successfully overturned the ruling. This landmark victory in 2014 prompted a change in the Social Security Administration’s policy, recognizing the gender identities of transgender individuals for survivor benefits allocation. Asti’s later years were marked by her philanthropy, founding the Cloud Dancers Foundation to offer scholarships to budding pilots. She also shared her inspiring journey in a documentary, “Flying Solo: A Transgender Widow Fights Discrimination.” Her life, activism, and numerous awards, including the National Gay Pilots Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, underscore her significant contribution to the rights of transgender individuals in the United States.