Sue Robbins is many things—retired veteran, activist, educator, mother, grandmother—and a proud transgender woman. Today, she lives in Woods Cross, Utah, with her wife Theresa, where she continues her lifelong commitment to building understanding and hope within her community.

Robbins knew from a young age that something about her felt different, though the language and societal understanding of being transgender simply didn’t exist at the time. After serving a long military career and moving to Utah in 2004, she gradually came out to herself and others, ultimately transitioning in 2014 to live openly and authentically as a woman. That step marked the beginning of her highly visible advocacy work across Utah.

Since then, Robbins has become one of the state’s most trusted and steady voices for the transgender community. She has served with the Utah Pride Center, Transgender Education Advocates of Utah, the KSL Community Advisory Board, KRCL, and the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. Most prominently, she works with Equality Utah as an advisor at the legislative level, representing and uplifting transgender voices in policymaking spaces where they are often excluded.

Education is at the heart of Robbins’ approach. She believes in connecting with people personally rather than battling extremes. “Education brings knowledge, knowledge brings understanding, and greater understanding brings social change,” she says. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: building allies through empathy creates lasting change.

Robbins also speaks openly about the challenges that come with visibility—especially during periods of intense anti-transgender legislation in Utah. She stresses the need for self-care in advocacy work, while remaining committed to ensuring that future generations of transgender Utahns see a safe and authentic path forward. For Robbins, being transgender is not a mental illness but a medical reality, one deserving of the same respect and compassion as any other healthcare issue.

Through all her service—whether as a veteran, community leader, or mentor—Robbins has chosen the path of bridge building. She continues to model a message of hope, reminding others that progress is possible when communities come together. With Theresa by her side, she remains a steady voice for dignity, authenticity, and the belief that everyone deserves to live fully as themselves.