Born: 1970 (Newport, Arkansas)
Biography:
Allyson Dylan Robinson is an American human rights activist, specializing in LGBT rights in the United States. Born on March 13, 1970, in Newport, Arkansas, Robinson’s journey towards activism and advocacy began with her early academic pursuits.
Robinson attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she pursued her undergraduate degree in physics. She excelled academically and graduated in 1994 with a strong foundation in science. During her time at West Point, Robinson also demonstrated her leadership skills and sense of duty, as she was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army upon graduation.
From 1994 to 1999, Robinson served in the army, rising to the rank of captain. She commanded a Patriot missile unit and was stationed in both Europe and the Middle East. Her military service exemplified her dedication to her country and served as an important period of personal and professional growth for Robinson.
Following her honorable discharge from the army, Robinson embarked on a new path and transitioned into the realm of faith and spirituality. She became an ordained Baptist minister and pursued a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree at Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary. Her theological studies centered on social justice, reflecting her deep commitment to advocating for equality and inclusivity.
In 2008, Robinson joined the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), a prominent advocacy organization fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. She quickly became a valuable member of the HRC team, overseeing the creation of model curricula for LGBT diversity training in the workplace as the first deputy director for Employee Programs. Her leadership and dedication led to her appointment as the executive director of HRC in 2012.
Robinson’s tenure as executive director of HRC marked a significant milestone in her career and in the history of LGBT rights advocacy. Notably, she became the first transgender individual to lead a national LGBT rights organization that did not have an explicit transgender focus. Her presence and contributions created a lasting impact and opened doors for greater representation and inclusivity within the movement.
Continuing her pursuit of progress and equality, Robinson took on the role of executive director of OutServe-SLDN in October 2012. OutServe-SLDN is a network of LGBT actively serving military personnel, formed through the merger of OutServe and the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. Robinson’s appointment made her the first transgender person to ever lead a national LGBT rights organization without a dedicated transgender focus.
Throughout her career, Robinson has demonstrated resilience and dedication in the face of challenges. Her advocacy work took place at a critical juncture in history, as the repeal of the discriminatory Don’t ask, don’t tell policy in 2011 left the organization she led, OutServe-SLDN, at risk of losing funding. Robinson skillfully navigated this difficult situation, working to bridge the two former organizations and secure vital resources for the cause.
Today, Allyson Robinson continues to inspire and empower others through her activism. Her commitment to social justice, equality, and inclusion has made a lasting impact on the fight for LGBT rights in the United States. Robinson’s journey from West Point to becoming a leading voice in the movement represents an important chapter in women’s history.