Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith. (Photo by Dylan Todd)
Nadine Smith, the executive director of Equality Florida, was named by TIME magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in 2022.
Published annually since 1999, TIME lists 100 people it deems as “most influential” in array of categories that include artists, innovators, titans, leaders, icons and pioneers for that year.
Smith is listed as an icon alongside the likes of Mary J. Blige, Issa Rae, Keanu Reeves, Adele and more.
Each influential person has a profile written about them from someone in their field, community or who knows the person personally. Smith’s profile is written by New York Times Bestselling author and fellow Floridian Kristen Arnett.
“In the fight for equality in Florida, there has perhaps been no greater advocate for LGBTQ people than Nadine Smith,” writes Arnett. “For over 30 years—most recently as the executive director of Equality Florida—Smith has worked tirelessly to safeguard our rights and elevate our voices, combatting discrimination in employment, housing, and many other areas. Smith comes from a family with a strong civil rights background and has consistently chosen to defend those who are the most vulnerable in our state and across the country. She is a Black, queer woman who has regularly spoken out about discrimination and biases against LGBTQ people when others have stayed silent. With Equality Florida, she led the charge against the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, fighting its enactment through a major civil rights lawsuit as well as a powerful television and social media ad campaign highlighting the potential impacts in classrooms. Nadine Smith refuses to give up in the fight for equality. Her work is an inspiration for LGBTQ organizations around the world, providing a blueprint on how to make progress for our communities through strong commitment and perseverance. She is a powerhouse, a champion of equality for everyone, and a truly incredible humanitarian.”
Smith is joined on the list by several LGBTQ individuals, including Oscar-winning actress Ariana DeBose, playwright Michael R. Jackson, musician Michelle Zauner, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Arizona Sen. Krysten Sinema, Texas transgender activist Emmett Schelling and soccer star Megan Rapinoe.
To read the full list of influential people, go to TIME.com.
