Community in shock as trans activist found dead
Danielle Robins was found dead in her flat last Sunday after friends expressed their concern when they failed to hear from her.
Miss Robins – an outspoken trans activist – had recently opened up about her battle to gain equality for the transgender community
In the interview she spoke of Abertay University’s LGBT Society, of which she was president, and the upcoming education campaigns she planned to lead.
“We plan to focus on education to eliminate prejudice and discrimination, both at the university and throughout Dundee,” she told the Evening Telegraph.
“We want to create an environment in which LGBT people feel safe, secure and confident enough to report any cases of discrimination.”
She also spoke about her negative experience and difficulty attempting to get treatment through the NHS.
However, she added: “The past two years since I started university here have been hugely positive.
“Everybody I’ve met here has been tolerant and respectful.
“I’m lucky to have family and friends who support me.”
Friends of the 21-year-old have since paid tribute to her on social media.
James Morton of the Scottish Transgender Alliance, said: “This news is incredibly tragic and will affect many people in the trans community in Dundee.”
“Danielle was such an inspiring person who has done so much for LGBT equality in the city.
“Life can be very difficult for young people trying to transition and Danielle was making an incredible difference.”
A spokesman for Abertay University said: “The Abertay community is very sad to hear of the death of computing student Danielle Robins.
“She was an active and popular president of Abertay Students Association’s LGBT society, fully committed to eliminating prejudice and creating a fairer, more tolerant society.
“The university shares these ideals and regards Danielle’s untimely death as a great loss, given the ambitious plans she had recently announced for tackling prejudice and discrimination in Dundee.
“We are ready to provide her friends and colleagues with whatever support and counselling we can at this very sad time.”
A cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
