Cal Smith
@calebllsmith.bsky.social
LGBTQI+ Policy Director at @americanprogress.bsky.social. Based in the DMV, Kansan at heart. My views are my own. Any pronouns. 🌈🏳️⚧️
Conversion therapy is discredited junk science that endangers kids. SCOTUS might greenlight it anyway. @hvnorrisphd.bsky.social breaks down the case for @USAToday.com: t.co/C5rJw77uef
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2025/10/08/supreme-court-gay-conversion-therapy-trans-rights/86549177007/?taid=68e6362387789a0001ca7946&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twit...
t.co
October 8, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Conversion therapy is discredited junk science that endangers kids. SCOTUS might greenlight it anyway. @hvnorrisphd.bsky.social breaks down the case for @USAToday.com: t.co/C5rJw77uef
Reposted by Cal Smith
Citizens United opened the floodgates of slimy dark money into our politics. It’s time we slam them shut.
Glad to have CAP in the fight :-)
Glad to have CAP in the fight :-)
Fifteen years after Citizens United opened the floodgates of corporate and dark political money, the Center for American Progress has figured out how to slam them back shut.
CAP published its groundbreaking how-to report today: "The Corporate Power Reset That Makes Citizens United Irrelevant."
CAP published its groundbreaking how-to report today: "The Corporate Power Reset That Makes Citizens United Irrelevant."
The Corporate Power Reset That Makes Citizens United Irrelevant
By using their authority to define what corporations are—and what powers they hold—states can end the era of corporate and dark money in U.S. politics.
www.americanprogress.org
September 18, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Citizens United opened the floodgates of slimy dark money into our politics. It’s time we slam them shut.
Glad to have CAP in the fight :-)
Glad to have CAP in the fight :-)
Trans people, like everyone else, deserve safety and dignity. Popularity - or unpopularity - of that statement has no bearing on its truth.
That's kind of the whole point of civil rights.
That's kind of the whole point of civil rights.
September 18, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Trans people, like everyone else, deserve safety and dignity. Popularity - or unpopularity - of that statement has no bearing on its truth.
That's kind of the whole point of civil rights.
That's kind of the whole point of civil rights.
Reposted by Cal Smith
Congratulations to CAP's @calebllsmith.bsky.social for being listed as one of @outinnationalsecurity.org and @newamerica.org's Out Leaders 2025 honoree. #OutLeadership2025 www.outinnationalsecurity.org/honor-roll/2...
July 28, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Congratulations to CAP's @calebllsmith.bsky.social for being listed as one of @outinnationalsecurity.org and @newamerica.org's Out Leaders 2025 honoree. #OutLeadership2025 www.outinnationalsecurity.org/honor-roll/2...
Reposted by Cal Smith
As the Trump administration continues to censor LGBTQI+ data and slash critical research funding, it's more important than ever to understand the needs of LGBTQI+ communities. Don't miss this important conversation with CAP thought leaders on Monday, July 28: www.americanprogress.org/events/in-co...
July 25, 2025 at 4:00 PM
As the Trump administration continues to censor LGBTQI+ data and slash critical research funding, it's more important than ever to understand the needs of LGBTQI+ communities. Don't miss this important conversation with CAP thought leaders on Monday, July 28: www.americanprogress.org/events/in-co...
Join me tomorrow for our conversation about the 2024 CAP LGBTQI+ Community Survey! RSVP here: www.americanprogress.org/events/in-co...
July 27, 2025 at 11:48 PM
Join me tomorrow for our conversation about the 2024 CAP LGBTQI+ Community Survey! RSVP here: www.americanprogress.org/events/in-co...
Reposted by Cal Smith
Sara Habein, a mother of two in Montana, recently learned that she has cysts in her brain. Every six months, her doctors check that the cysts aren’t growing.
If she didn’t have Medicaid, she's not sure what she would do. Now, Trump’s “one big, beautiful” law threatens her coverage.
If she didn’t have Medicaid, she's not sure what she would do. Now, Trump’s “one big, beautiful” law threatens her coverage.
Over a million queer women rely on Medicaid. What happens if they lose it?
Lesbian and bisexual women are more likely to be low-income, more likely to be parents and more likely to rely on Medicaid. They could fall through the cracks of Trump’s new tax law.
19thnews.org
July 24, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Sara Habein, a mother of two in Montana, recently learned that she has cysts in her brain. Every six months, her doctors check that the cysts aren’t growing.
If she didn’t have Medicaid, she's not sure what she would do. Now, Trump’s “one big, beautiful” law threatens her coverage.
If she didn’t have Medicaid, she's not sure what she would do. Now, Trump’s “one big, beautiful” law threatens her coverage.
Virtual LGBTQ event alert!
11am on Monday, I'll be joined by several CAP colleagues to discuss new findings from our 2024 LGBTQI+ Survey. Topics include the disabled LGBTQI+ community, the LGBTQI+ wage gap, caregiving, and more.
RSVP and find out more here! www.americanprogress.org/events/in-co...
11am on Monday, I'll be joined by several CAP colleagues to discuss new findings from our 2024 LGBTQI+ Survey. Topics include the disabled LGBTQI+ community, the LGBTQI+ wage gap, caregiving, and more.
RSVP and find out more here! www.americanprogress.org/events/in-co...
In Conversation: The 2024 LGBTQI+ Community Survey
Join CAP for a panel and discussion about new insights into LGBTQI+ experiences.
www.americanprogress.org
July 24, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Virtual LGBTQ event alert!
11am on Monday, I'll be joined by several CAP colleagues to discuss new findings from our 2024 LGBTQI+ Survey. Topics include the disabled LGBTQI+ community, the LGBTQI+ wage gap, caregiving, and more.
RSVP and find out more here! www.americanprogress.org/events/in-co...
11am on Monday, I'll be joined by several CAP colleagues to discuss new findings from our 2024 LGBTQI+ Survey. Topics include the disabled LGBTQI+ community, the LGBTQI+ wage gap, caregiving, and more.
RSVP and find out more here! www.americanprogress.org/events/in-co...
Reposted by Cal Smith
Today at 11 am ET: Don't miss our virtual event on presidential appeasement and the Supreme Court in 2025. www.americanprogress.org/events/presi...
We'll be joined by @audrelawdamercy.bsky.social, @leahlitman.bsky.social, @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social, and @anthonymkreis.bsky.social.
We'll be joined by @audrelawdamercy.bsky.social, @leahlitman.bsky.social, @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social, and @anthonymkreis.bsky.social.
Presidential Appeasement and the Supreme Court: The State of the Court in 2025
Please join the Center for American Progress for a virtual event on presidential appeasement and the Supreme Court in 2025.
www.americanprogress.org
July 9, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Today at 11 am ET: Don't miss our virtual event on presidential appeasement and the Supreme Court in 2025. www.americanprogress.org/events/presi...
We'll be joined by @audrelawdamercy.bsky.social, @leahlitman.bsky.social, @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social, and @anthonymkreis.bsky.social.
We'll be joined by @audrelawdamercy.bsky.social, @leahlitman.bsky.social, @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social, and @anthonymkreis.bsky.social.
My colleague Sara at @americanprogress.bsky.social examined our CAP LGBTQI+ Community Survey, revealing that LGBTQI+ households earn just 85 cents for every $1 of non-LGBTQI+ households. LGBTQI+ women households earn even less, at just 52 cents per $1.
www.americanprogress.org/article/the-...
www.americanprogress.org/article/the-...
July 7, 2025 at 6:58 PM
My colleague Sara at @americanprogress.bsky.social examined our CAP LGBTQI+ Community Survey, revealing that LGBTQI+ households earn just 85 cents for every $1 of non-LGBTQI+ households. LGBTQI+ women households earn even less, at just 52 cents per $1.
www.americanprogress.org/article/the-...
www.americanprogress.org/article/the-...
Some of the very best people I know have created a camp - it’s a retreat for those of us who do social justice work. Camp Ground is about rest: no work allowed.
If you organize, advocate, etc in ANY capacity (professionally, as a volunteer, in your spare time) this camp is probably for you.
If you organize, advocate, etc in ANY capacity (professionally, as a volunteer, in your spare time) this camp is probably for you.
July 3, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Some of the very best people I know have created a camp - it’s a retreat for those of us who do social justice work. Camp Ground is about rest: no work allowed.
If you organize, advocate, etc in ANY capacity (professionally, as a volunteer, in your spare time) this camp is probably for you.
If you organize, advocate, etc in ANY capacity (professionally, as a volunteer, in your spare time) this camp is probably for you.
Reposted by Cal Smith
MUST-READ: My CAP colleague Alice Lillydahl has a terrific new column out today on why appeasement of Trump's illegal demands may be far more dangerous to organizations than compliance is.
The Dangers of Obeying: 4 Risks for Organizations Bowing to the Trump Administration
The Trump administration is demanding unprecedented power and punishing those who refuse to comply, but civil society acting peacefully with collective courage can build a stronger democracy.
www.americanprogress.org
July 2, 2025 at 4:02 PM
MUST-READ: My CAP colleague Alice Lillydahl has a terrific new column out today on why appeasement of Trump's illegal demands may be far more dangerous to organizations than compliance is.
Right-wing senators are trying to defund coverage of trans medical care. A new report out today from my colleague @hvnorrisphd.bsky.social reveals: 28% of insured trans folks are covered through Medicaid and 6% through ACA plans.
Coverage MUST be protected.
www.americanprogress.org/article/lgbt...
Coverage MUST be protected.
www.americanprogress.org/article/lgbt...
LGBTQI+ People Are Underinsured and Experience Health Insurance Discrimination in Key Areas
New Center for American Progress survey findings demonstrate how LGBTQI+ people are at greater risk of losing access to health care under the proposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
www.americanprogress.org
June 30, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Right-wing senators are trying to defund coverage of trans medical care. A new report out today from my colleague @hvnorrisphd.bsky.social reveals: 28% of insured trans folks are covered through Medicaid and 6% through ACA plans.
Coverage MUST be protected.
www.americanprogress.org/article/lgbt...
Coverage MUST be protected.
www.americanprogress.org/article/lgbt...
Today's Something Censored - The Department of Defense had a detailed handbook on supporting transgender service members, providing policies that ensured equity and covered topics from dress code to commander responsibilities. It has since been censored, but we have a copy.
June 26, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Today's Something Censored - The Department of Defense had a detailed handbook on supporting transgender service members, providing policies that ensured equity and covered topics from dress code to commander responsibilities. It has since been censored, but we have a copy.
Key state department officials shared at a national convening how LGBTQI+ rights are an integral part of international policy. Secretary Blinken and other leaders affirmed the importance of diversity in international policy. The article is no longer available on government sites.
June 25, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Key state department officials shared at a national convening how LGBTQI+ rights are an integral part of international policy. Secretary Blinken and other leaders affirmed the importance of diversity in international policy. The article is no longer available on government sites.
Today’s Something Censored - Wiped from the TSA website; policies and guidance on traveling through TSA for transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse people. Much of this advice is still helpful; highly recommend a read for those traveling.
June 24, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Today’s Something Censored - Wiped from the TSA website; policies and guidance on traveling through TSA for transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse people. Much of this advice is still helpful; highly recommend a read for those traveling.
Also, on Skrmetti. Folks are going to analyze, write about the harms of the ruling. While we do, it is SO important to remember:
The people who sued for care, went before SCOTUS and argued for equal rights were right to do so. Their strategy was solid, their aim was correct.
Hope is never wrong.
The people who sued for care, went before SCOTUS and argued for equal rights were right to do so. Their strategy was solid, their aim was correct.
Hope is never wrong.
June 19, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Also, on Skrmetti. Folks are going to analyze, write about the harms of the ruling. While we do, it is SO important to remember:
The people who sued for care, went before SCOTUS and argued for equal rights were right to do so. Their strategy was solid, their aim was correct.
Hope is never wrong.
The people who sued for care, went before SCOTUS and argued for equal rights were right to do so. Their strategy was solid, their aim was correct.
Hope is never wrong.
Reposted by Cal Smith
Listen. We cannot predicate fighting on winning. We're going to lose a lot in the days to come, and if we’re going to make it through the nights we need to find something to fuel us that runs deeper than hope. We’re past hope.
We don't follow hope. Hope follows us.
We don't follow hope. Hope follows us.
What U.S. v. Skrmetti Did, What It Didn’t Do, and What It Can Never Do
There is going to be a lot of catastrophizing today. We lost U.S. v. Skrmetti, one of the biggest transgender civil rights cases of our…
samamesesq.medium.com
June 19, 2025 at 1:53 AM
Listen. We cannot predicate fighting on winning. We're going to lose a lot in the days to come, and if we’re going to make it through the nights we need to find something to fuel us that runs deeper than hope. We’re past hope.
We don't follow hope. Hope follows us.
We don't follow hope. Hope follows us.
Today, SCOTUS chose politicians over doctors, misinformation over science, and special interest groups over families.
When leaders choose to cower rather than defend, it’s devastating. But, it is also clarifying. This ruling is a directive to us - to keep fighting.
In community, we will win. 🏳️⚧️
When leaders choose to cower rather than defend, it’s devastating. But, it is also clarifying. This ruling is a directive to us - to keep fighting.
In community, we will win. 🏳️⚧️
June 18, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Today, SCOTUS chose politicians over doctors, misinformation over science, and special interest groups over families.
When leaders choose to cower rather than defend, it’s devastating. But, it is also clarifying. This ruling is a directive to us - to keep fighting.
In community, we will win. 🏳️⚧️
When leaders choose to cower rather than defend, it’s devastating. But, it is also clarifying. This ruling is a directive to us - to keep fighting.
In community, we will win. 🏳️⚧️
Reposted by Cal Smith
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Tennessee law barring lifesaving medical care for transgender minors. In response, @calebllsmith.bsky.social, director of LGBTQI+ Policy at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement: www.americanprogress.org/press/statem...
STATEMENT: Supreme Court Ruled Against Bodily Autonomy in Skrmetti Case
www.americanprogress.org
June 18, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Tennessee law barring lifesaving medical care for transgender minors. In response, @calebllsmith.bsky.social, director of LGBTQI+ Policy at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement: www.americanprogress.org/press/statem...
Today's Something Censored - The Department of Housing and Urban Development compiled a resource on ensuring equal access to shelters/ housing programs for trans people. While it was removed from HUD's website, it is still a powerful tool for organizations committed to providing inclusive resources.
June 18, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Today's Something Censored - The Department of Housing and Urban Development compiled a resource on ensuring equal access to shelters/ housing programs for trans people. While it was removed from HUD's website, it is still a powerful tool for organizations committed to providing inclusive resources.
Reposted by Cal Smith
Its #LGBTQIAEqualPay day! CAP data shows LGBTQI+ women lose over 39k a year and Black LGBTQI+ households lose over 33k.
We have to fight back against this administration that is destroying every right and enforcement institution on the books.
www.americanprogress.org/article/the-...
We have to fight back against this administration that is destroying every right and enforcement institution on the books.
www.americanprogress.org/article/the-...
The 2024 LGBTQI+ Wage Gap
In recognition of LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day, new analysis from the Center for American Progress’ LGBTQI+ Community Survey shows that in 2024, LGBTQI+ households made just 85 cents for every dol...
www.americanprogress.org
June 17, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Its #LGBTQIAEqualPay day! CAP data shows LGBTQI+ women lose over 39k a year and Black LGBTQI+ households lose over 33k.
We have to fight back against this administration that is destroying every right and enforcement institution on the books.
www.americanprogress.org/article/the-...
We have to fight back against this administration that is destroying every right and enforcement institution on the books.
www.americanprogress.org/article/the-...
Reposted by Cal Smith
Our latest shows that LGBTQI+ households lose $12,600 per year to the wage gap, and the gaps are wider for LGBTQI+ people who are trans, women, and people of color. We must fight the claw backs to our civil rights enforcement agencies for #LGBTQIAEqualPay.🏳️🌈
www.americanprogress.org/article/the-...
www.americanprogress.org/article/the-...
The 2024 LGBTQI+ Wage Gap
In recognition of LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day, new analysis from the Center for American Progress’ LGBTQI+ Community Survey shows that in 2024, LGBTQI+ households made just 85 cents for every dol...
www.americanprogress.org
June 17, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Our latest shows that LGBTQI+ households lose $12,600 per year to the wage gap, and the gaps are wider for LGBTQI+ people who are trans, women, and people of color. We must fight the claw backs to our civil rights enforcement agencies for #LGBTQIAEqualPay.🏳️🌈
www.americanprogress.org/article/the-...
www.americanprogress.org/article/the-...
Today's Something Censored - The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) once provided a resource for organizations and community centers on supporting LGBTQIA2S+ Youth as part of FYSB homeless youth programs. LGBTQIA2S+ young people are more likely to be homeless than their peers.
June 17, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Today's Something Censored - The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) once provided a resource for organizations and community centers on supporting LGBTQIA2S+ Youth as part of FYSB homeless youth programs. LGBTQIA2S+ young people are more likely to be homeless than their peers.
This weekend, Trump spent millions on a vanity project/military parade. Among other anti-veteran cuts, the VA recently cut coverage of trans care, citing costs. The parade would've covered a year of all trans vets' medical bills 90 times over.
www.americanprogress.org/article/trum...
www.americanprogress.org/article/trum...
Trump Is Throwing Himself a Birthday Parade While Veterans and Military Families Face Cuts
President Donald Trump is throwing himself a costly military birthday parade while veteran and military families are suffering under the impact of ongoing cuts to critical programs and services.
www.americanprogress.org
June 16, 2025 at 6:54 PM
This weekend, Trump spent millions on a vanity project/military parade. Among other anti-veteran cuts, the VA recently cut coverage of trans care, citing costs. The parade would've covered a year of all trans vets' medical bills 90 times over.
www.americanprogress.org/article/trum...
www.americanprogress.org/article/trum...