S.D. activist for trans population named one of USA Today’s Women of the Year
As originally published in the USA Today.
In 2017, Susan Williams’ 10-year-old child wrote her an eight-page letter.
“I can’t do this anymore,” the letter read. “I am a boy, and I have always been a boy. I have never been your daughter, and now I need you to help me.”
So, blindly and completely self-taught, his mother did.
Five years ago, Williams founded the Transformation Project, a resource and educational nonprofit organization for the trans population in South Dakota, a state that tends to discount the LGBTQIA2S+ community and in 2023 banned doctors from providing gender-affirming healthcare to transgender youth.
Williams’ efforts to support her son, Wyatt, who today is an 18-year-old college student in Chicago and “thriving,” have awarded her as South Dakota’s honoree for USA Today’s 2025 Women of the Year program.
The Transformation Project includes an advocacy network, which influences policy against legislative discrimination, and Prism, a community center designed to support, mentor, gather and empower a vulnerable population in her community and region.
“Transgender South Dakotans have faced misunderstanding, hostility and outright discrimination simply because of who they are, and they deserve better,” Williams said.
Wyatt always showed signs of gender dysphoria, a condition where a person might feel convicted that their body does not reflect their gender identity. Williams said Wyatt first resisted girl clothes or long hair, then by age 9 started experiencing severe anxiety, depression and angry outbursts.
“We felt very alone,” said Williams, who was shunned by her church community and distant family after she and her husband began supporting Wyatt. “There were no resources or connections to a transgender community in our state.”
She first hosted a weekly support group in her basement for trans youth and their families until more than 50 people would show up and stay for the entirety of the day. She was growing a community of hope right in her home.
Today, portraits of transgender activists Marsha P. Johnson and Harvey Milk hang next to colorful LGBTQ2S+ flags in the Prism center. They host game nights, “hang out hours” for youth and adults, a virtual Discord and name change clinics, or they watch movies and have coffee as friends.
“South Dakota is full of folks who are ready to surround transgender kids with love and support,” Williams said. “I will continue to wrap my arms around them.”
The Argus Leader sat down with Williams for a special question-and-answer session as part of USA Today’s Women of the Year project. The conversation has been edited for conciseness and clarity.
Who do you pave the way for?
My hope is that I pave the way for people to educate themselves and engage in allyship for the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Through my work and through sharing our story, I strive to create a path where understanding, support and advocacy become the norm, not the exception.
What was your lowest moment?
It was a time when several low moments seemed to collide all at once. Professionally, our state government withheld federal funding intended to support the population we serve at the Transformation Project, leaving our organization in a severe financial bind. We made the difficult decision to sue the state, and navigating a lawsuit was incredibly stressful.
During that process, I was diagnosed with skin cancer, and my mom was diagnosed Parkinson’s disease. There were a lot of tears and months where I was anxious and stressed, but even in that season of struggle, there were moments of joy and growth that reminded me to be grateful.
What is your definition of courage?
Courage is about authenticity – having the strength to embrace vulnerability and bravery to show up as your true self, no matter the expectations or judgments of others. Since I started getting to know folks in the gender-diverse community, I have witnessed incredible courage – both in their stories and allyship.
My son has been my greatest teacher in courage. Watching him live his truth inspired me to reflect on my own life and realize I was not allowing myself to be authentic. I’ve learned there is so much freedom in breaking away from who society expects me to be.
Is there a guiding principle or mantra you tell yourself?
Growing up, both my parents and grandparents modeled lives of service and generosity, with volunteerism at the heart of our family values. Those lessons instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to give back. I strive to make a positive impact.
Who do you look up to?
My grandmother Evelyn was one of my biggest champions. I felt extremely connected to her. She’d gone through a lot of unimaginable things, but her courage, entrepreneurial spirit and desire to care for others will always inspire me.
How do you overcome adversity?
I’ve built a strong foundation through the challenges I’ve faced in life. But I’m a positive person who holds onto hope, which keeps me moving forward. My faith, family and inner circle provide grounding support, and I’ve learned to reach out for help – through therapy, mentorship or seeking guidance from others who’ve been through similar circumstances. Practicing gratitude or self-care is another powerful tool. Finally, knowing I’ve overcome challenges before gives me confidence that I will do it again.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Stop worrying so much about what others think of you. Being a people-pleaser is exhausting, and you’re not living authentically by doing that. Discover who you are and who you strive to be, and focus on developing confidence. Set boundaries, trust your instincts and embrace your unique self – the world needs you, not the perfect version you think you’re expected to be.
