Tony Smith, UCI political science professor, has been named a recipient of the American Political Science Association LGBTQ Caucus Distinguished Career Service Award. The honor is bestowed annually to recognize recipients’ commitment to the subfield of Sexuality & Politics as well as to supporting LGBTQ+ affiliated issues within the discipline.

Smith specializes in research on how law and legal institutions fulfill or inhibit rights. His latest book, The Politics of Perverts: The Political Attitudes and Actions of Non-Traditional Sexual Minorities (NYU Press), explores the political attitudes and activities of individuals who identify with non-traditional sexual orientations and practices. The current editor in chief of Political Research Quarterly, the Western Political Science Association’s flagship journal, Smith teaches courses on law and politics, election law, and LGBTQ politics, and he is frequently sought by media for his expertise in local and national politics.

"For over 20 years, Tony has been a tireless advocate for the Caucus and Sexuality & Politics,” the award committee writes, highlighting his numerous leadership roles within the Caucus and APSA. “Even if not formally in leadership, Tony is a go-to advisor on pertinent issues affecting our organizations. He has been an active officer in the Caucus, on APSA Council, and other units, including as section chair for various conferences. He not only has a wide array of publications within the discipline, but he has also published extensively advocating for increased acceptance of Sexuality & Politics within Political Science.”

Smith earned his Ph.D. in political science at UC San Diego and his J.D. at the University of Florida. Before entering the academic field, he began his career in law, practicing for nearly 20 years and serving as managing partner for his own law firm.