iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Let me tell y’all about Camp Ground - a multi-faith retreat for people doing justice work. This work is exhausting - we need time to rest and recharge. I attended last year and found that and more. If you serve community and are flagging - please apply! Apps close Sunday. campgroundretreat.org

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Sam Ames @samames.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

On Monday night, SCOTUS issued an order indicating they may be inclined to side with policies that force teachers to out LGBTQI+ students to their legal guardians. Forced outing is something kind of hard to talk about. So it felt like maybe we should talk about it. sames.substack.com/parents-righ...

open.substack.com

Parents’ Rights and Parents’ Wrongs

Forced Outing from the School Hallway to the Supreme Court to the State of the Union

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Parents are a vital part of trans medical care decisions - and always have been. Learn the facts about transgender medical care: www.americanprogress.org/article/tran...

americanprogress.org

Transgender Medical Care: What You Should Know and How To Preserve Access to Care

Transgender medical care is safe, effective, lifesaving—but access to it is under attack.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Voter ID policies requiring proof of citizenship (like the SAVE Act) are voter suppression. If enacted, millions of trans people could struggle to vote. Read our analysis here: www.americanprogress.org/article/the-...

americanprogress.org

The SAVE Act Could Keep Millions of Transgender Americans From Voting

Should this legislation pass, it would further discrimination against transgender people and could keep millions of voters out of the voting booth.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

President “Keep Politics Out of Sports” Trump brings in the USA Men’s Hockey Team to parade around in the #StateoftheUnion

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Senator Sheldon Whitehouse @whitehouse.senate.gov · 18/09/2025

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 :-)

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

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.

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Center for American Progress @americanprogress.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

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...

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Center for American Progress @americanprogress.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

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...

Event graphic with the event title, "In Conversation: The 2024 LGBTQI+ Community Survey," with the description, "LGBTQI+ surveys and studies are essential for understanding the needs of our communities. Join the Center for American Progress and our authors to discuss data insights on topics such as the communities' wage gaps, caregiving, experiences of disabled LGBTQI+ people, barriers in health care, and more." Below are headshots for Colin Seeberger, Casey Doherty, Haley Norris, Sara Estep, and Molly Weston Williamson.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

Join me tomorrow for our conversation about the 2024 CAP LGBTQI+ Community Survey! RSVP here: www.americanprogress.org/events/in-co...

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Orion Rummler @oriion.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

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.

19thnews.org

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.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

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...

americanprogress.org

In Conversation: The 2024 LGBTQI+ Community Survey

Join CAP for a panel and discussion about new insights into LGBTQI+ experiences.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

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-...

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

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.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 30/06/2025

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...

americanprogress.org

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.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

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.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

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.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

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.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

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.

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Sam Ames @samames.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

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.

samamesesq.medium.com

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…

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

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. 🏳️‍⚧️

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Center for American Progress @americanprogress.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

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...

americanprogress.org

STATEMENT: Supreme Court Ruled Against Bodily Autonomy in Skrmetti Case

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

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.

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Haley Norris @hvnorrisphd.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

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-...

americanprogress.org

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...

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Sara Estep (she/her) @saraestep.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

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-...

americanprogress.org

The 2024 LGBTQI+ Wage Gap

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

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.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

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...

americanprogress.org

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.

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Great LakesQ @qglpolicywonk.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

This, the critical, life saving information that has been censored & deleted from VA site was the product of decades of #LGBTQ #health & #veteran groups working to improve the health of our community. Please share these resources widely. Our community members need them, especially right now.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

Today's Something Censored - The VA used to have a comprehensive resource page for providing medical care to LGBTQI+ veterans. The page included resources everything from serving trans and non-binary vets - to details on suicide prevention services. All have been wiped from the VA site.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

Today's Something Censored - The Office in charge of federal contracts for the Department of Labor used to have a "Know Your Rights" document outlining non-discrimination protections for LGBTQI+ workers. The fact sheet was provided in multiple languages. All have been wiped from the DOL website.

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Center for American Progress @americanprogress.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

State laws banning and restricting best practice care, including reproductive care and trans medical care, disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Everyone, including LGBTQI+ people, needs policies that expand access to care and protect bodily autonomy now more than ever.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

Today’s Something Censored - The Biden administration published a thorough toolkit on advancing trans equity in partnership with multiple federal agencies. The toolkit provided resources and laid out inclusive policy goals.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Good policy is informed by good data - but gathering data, particularly for the LGBTQI+ community is harder than it's ever been. @americanprogress.bsky.social is committed to collecting that data and using it to shape solutions to real-world problems.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Today's Something Censored - SAMSHA published a groundbreaking report on the harms of conversion therapy - also known as change efforts. The 100+ page report provided key, concrete evidence and tangible next steps to protect all young people.

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Center for American Progress @americanprogress.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

Pride is about our community standing together. When we are united we can face any challenge. 🏳️‍🌈 Hear from @repmarktakano.bsky.social, Jaymes Black, and Dr. Kellan Baker:

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

Today's Something Censored - The VA published dozens of articles about the lives and accomplishments of veterans - including LGBTQI+ veterans. This story highlighted a trans vet's work on preventing homelessness.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

Today's Something Censored - Ok, this one is wonky but stay with me - it's important. For years, LGBTQI+ advocates have been working to get the Census to ask questions on their surveys about LGBTQ identity. Doing so is deceptively difficult, but very possible - and this censored report details how.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

Today's edition of CAP's InProgress newsletter has me talking about the importance of Pride and protecting the LGBTQI+ community (you can read below). If you have questions about the state of our community this Pride month, I’ll do my best to answer here! my1.americanprogress.org/personalizat...

my1.americanprogress.org

Friend, moments like these are when we need Pride the most

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

Today's Something Censored - A fact sheet on the pro-LGBTQI+ policies championed and passed by the Biden administration. The fact sheet featured policies like non-discrimination protections, better data collection, and more.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

Today's Something Censored - A detailed policy on ensuring equity and non-discrimination for trans HHS employees. The policy writes that "the obligation to honor the diversity of the HHS workforce" is fundamental to its mission.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

Today's Something Censored - Guidance from the EEOC on protecting LGBTQI+ workers from discrimination. The guidance specifies that LGBTQI+ people are protected by laws banning discrimination based on sex - like Title VII. The web page provides clear examples and ways to report discrimination.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 21/05/2025

Today's Something Censored - A comprehensive resource for elementary and secondary schools on how to ensure their students are protected from discrimination and harassment. The guide provides guidance, resources, and model policies on topics from COVID-19 to preventing sexual violence.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

Today's Something Censored - When SCOTUS determined sex discrim protections included LGBTQI+ people, many agencies, like the USDA, updated their policies. This memo provided guidance and answers potential questions for state program directors on protecting LGBTQI+ folks in food programs like SNAP.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

Today's Something Censored - The VA initiated a comprehensive review of their policies to ensure inclusivity of trans veterans. The announcement acted as a recommitment to serve all who served - including trans folks.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

I started Something Censored as a project to shed light on just a few of the hundreds of documents and resources the Trump administration has wiped from government websites. The good news is we were prepared, archiving crucial LGBTQI+ resources.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

Today's Something Censored - In 2015, the Department of Labor finalized a rule that ensured same-sex couples were included under the Family and Medical Leave Act. This web page announcing the rule was one of the first to be removed when Trump took office.

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Cal Smith @calebllsmith.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

Today's Something Censored - Some web pages censored by the Trump admin were whole resource lists. This resource bank was from the LGBTQI+ Working group at the DOJ - providing crucial resources for topics from HIV to harassment laws.

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