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# Trans activist Robina Asti dead at 99
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/trans-activist-robina-asti-dead-at-99/
- Published: 2021-03-22T11:11:30.000Z
- Updated: 2021-03-22T07:32:08.000Z
- Description: Trans activist and WWII pilot, Robina Asti, has died at 99.
- Author: Rachel Badham
- Tags: News, Queer Corner, California, Lambda Legal, LGBTQ, Transgender, US

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/robina-asti-1-600-400.jpg)

Trans activist and WWII pilot, **Robina Asti**, has died at 99 in her **California** home. In an interview with [*Out Magazine*](https://www.out.com/activism/2021/3/18/robina-asti-trans-world-war-ii-pilot-and-noted-activist-dies-99?ref=scenemag.co.uk) last year, Asti said that she had always felt conflicted regarding her gender, but decided to embrace her trans identity after the death of her 9-year-old son, saying: *“The tragedy shook me to my core. I became fed up and disillusioned with my male life. After years of deep reflection, I realised that I was not living my true self.”*

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/robina-asti-600-400.jpg)

As well as serving in the war, Asti was known for suing the Social Security Administration after she was denied survivor benefits as a trans widow. After coming out in 1976 and peacefully divorcing from her former wife, Asti met her husband, **Norwood Patton**. After Patton died at 97, Asti was denied widow benefits because she was transgender, leading her to fight and ultimately win her case against social security with the help of **Lambda Legal.**

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/r-asti-pride-600.jpg)

After the victory, Asti spoke publicly about her experiences as a trans woman, and was featured in a documentary titled *Flying Solo: A Transgender Widow Fights Discrimination*. Following her death, her daughter, **Coca Astey**, said: *“Robina Asti lived her life fully and in vivid colour.”* Grandson **Erik Hummell** added: *“Robina embodied the human spirit,”* and said Asti and him co-founded the **Cloud Dancers Foundation** (a wish-fulfillment organisation for LGBTQ+ people) *“to make the invisible feel visible and to encourage everyone to embrace one’s authentic self to live a full life.”*