Nadine Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nadine Smith
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Smith at the 1993 National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's Creating Change Conference
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| Born | August 27, 1965 |
| Education | University of South Florida (BA, 1987) |
| Organization | Equality Florida |
| Movement | LGBT rights movement |
| Spouse(s) |
Andrea Hildebran
(m. 2012) |
| Children | 1 |
Nadine Smith (born August 27, 1965) is a well-known activist for LGBTQ+ rights. She has been the leader of Equality Florida since it started in 1997. She also works as a lobbyist, helping to influence laws in Florida.
Nadine Smith is seen as a national leader in the fight for equal rights. Many important groups, like the Human Rights Campaign, have recognized her work. She has helped make a big difference for LGBTQ+ people.
Before her work as an activist, Smith was a journalist. She wrote for different newspapers and magazines. She was also an award-winning reporter for WUSF, a radio station in Tampa.
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Early Life and Education
Nadine Smith was born in Bangor, Maine. Her family moved to Panama City, Florida, when she was young. She went to Rutherford High School.
After high school, Smith attended the U.S. Air Force Academy. She later left the Academy. This was after a rule called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was put in place. This rule meant that gay people could not openly serve in the military.
Smith then went to the University of South Florida. She graduated in 1987 with a degree in Mass Communication. This degree helped her become a journalist.
Career Highlights
Running for Office
In 1991, Nadine Smith made history. She was the first African-American woman who was openly gay to run for the Tampa City Council. The City Council helps make decisions for the city. She received many votes, showing strong support.
Meeting with the President
In 1993, Smith was part of a very important meeting. She met with the President of the United States, Bill Clinton. This meeting was with leaders from the LGBTQ+ rights movement. It was a big step for their cause.
Smith also helped organize the 1993 March on Washington. This was a huge event where many people marched for equal rights. She helped manage the news coverage for the march.
Protecting Human Rights
In 1995, Smith led a group called Citizens for a Fair Tampa. Their goal was to protect a city rule that included sexual orientation in human rights. This rule made sure everyone was treated fairly. Her efforts helped keep this important rule in place.
Smith also worked with Fairness for All Families from 2006 to 2009. This group worked to protect LGBTQ+ families in Florida. At that time, a new rule was proposed that would ban marriage between same-sex couples. This rule also affected other protections for families. Smith and her group worked hard to fight against it.
In 2007, Smith showed her dedication to equal rights. She stood up for what she believed in during a city council meeting in Largo. The council was discussing whether to fire a city manager who was transgender. Smith spoke out against discrimination.
Awards and Honors
Nadine Smith has received many awards for her important work:
- In 2016, the League of Women Voters gave her the Woman of Distinction Award.
- In 2022, she received the "but for" Leadership Florida Award. This award honors people who improve the lives of Floridians.
- Also in 2022, Time magazine named her to the Time 100 list. This list includes the 100 most influential people in the world.
- In 2022, the GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders gave her the Spirit of Justice Award. This was for her work as a national human rights advocate and champion for LGBTQ+ equality for over 30 years.
Images for kids
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Smith at the 1993 National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's Creating Change Conference
