Ed Smart's Double Life: 5 Unforgettable Chapters Of The Elizabeth Smart Father's Journey From Advocate To LGBTQ+ Voice

The life of Ed Smart is a powerful, two-part narrative of public tragedy and profound personal transformation. Known globally as the tireless father who fought for the safe return of his daughter, Elizabeth Smart, after her 2002 kidnapping, his story took an unexpected and deeply personal turn in recent years. As of late 2025, Smart continues his decades-long work as a prominent child safety advocate while also navigating a new chapter as an openly gay man, a journey that led to a public divorce and a separation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). This dual role—as a national figure in child safety and a brave voice in the LGBTQ+ community—defines his current life and legacy. This article delves into the most compelling and current aspects of Ed Smart’s life, exploring the key events that shaped him into the resilient and outspoken figure he is today. We look beyond the infamous 2002 tragedy to understand his ongoing commitment to advocacy and the courageous personal decisions that redefined his identity in the public eye.

Ed Smart: A Complete Biographical Profile

Edward "Ed" Smart became a household name in 2002, not by choice, but by circumstance. His immediate and relentless public presence following his daughter's abduction turned him into a national symbol of parental hope and determination. His later revelations about his personal life cemented his status as a complex, multifaceted public figure whose story continues to inspire and challenge.

• Full Name: Edward "Ed" Smart
• Born: Circa 1955 (Was 64 when he came out in 2019)
• Known For: Father of kidnapping survivor and activist Elizabeth Smart; Child Safety Advocate; Real Estate Entrepreneur; LGBTQ+ Activist.
• Spouse: Lois Smart (Divorced in 2019 after 34 years of marriage)
• Children: Elizabeth Smart and five other children (six total)
• Education: Real estate background.
• Key Advocacy Roles:
  • Promoter of the Amber Alert system.
  • Former Executive Director of The Elizabeth Smart Foundation.
  • Former President of the Surviving Parents Coalition (SPC).
  • Keynote Speaker on child protection and recovery.
• Major Life Events:
  • Daughter Elizabeth's kidnapping (June 2002) and rescue (March 2003).
  • Publicly came out as gay (August 2019).
  • Divorced Lois Smart (2019).
  • Separated from the LDS Church.

The Elizabeth Smart Kidnapping: A Father's Relentless Pursuit

The nine months following June 5, 2002, were a period of unimaginable public scrutiny and private agony for the Smart family. Ed Smart and his wife, Lois Smart, immediately became the faces of a desperate search for their 14-year-old daughter, Elizabeth. Their unwavering commitment to keeping Elizabeth's name in the news was instrumental in her eventual rescue.

The kidnapping, perpetrated by Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee, was a national tragedy that fundamentally changed how the public and law enforcement approached missing persons cases. Ed Smart's tireless efforts to communicate with the media, organize search parties, and lobby for greater public awareness turned him into an accidental, yet highly effective, child safety advocate.

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The Birth of a Child Safety Legacy

Following Elizabeth's miraculous rescue in March 2003, Ed Smart did not retreat from the public eye. Instead, he channeled his trauma into a powerful, lifelong mission. He understood, perhaps better than anyone, the critical role of public awareness and rapid response in these cases.

His advocacy work quickly focused on improving child protection measures. He became a leading promoter of the Amber Alert system, pushing for its wider and more effective implementation across the United States. Furthermore, he was instrumental in establishing and leading organizations dedicated to supporting victims and their families, including The Elizabeth Smart Foundation and the Surviving Parents Coalition (SPC).

Ed Smart's continued presence at conferences and speaking engagements, often alongside his daughter, ensures that the lessons learned from the kidnapping are never forgotten. He speaks to law enforcement, media, and the public about the importance of hope, resilience, and the need for communities to work together to protect children from predators.

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The Courageous Revelation: Ed Smart's Public Coming Out

In August 2019, Ed Smart made headlines for a reason entirely separate from his daughter's case: he publicly announced that he is gay. This revelation, shared on social media, marked a seismic shift in his personal life, coming after decades of marriage to Lois Smart and a lifetime within the deeply conservative structure of the LDS Church.

At 64, Smart described the internal struggle he had faced for years, stating that he was no longer willing to "accept the church’s stance" on LGBTQ+ issues. His decision was a powerful and public act of self-acceptance, leading to his divorce from Lois after 34 years of marriage. He described the process of telling his children, making early morning phone calls to each of them to share the news of his sexuality and impending divorce.

A New Voice in the LGBTQ+ Dialogue

Ed Smart's coming out resonated deeply, particularly within the Mormon community, where the conflict between faith and sexual identity remains a significant, often painful, issue. He spoke about having "mostly watched in silence" as LGBTQ+ people faced ridicule and shunning both inside and outside the church.

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His story adds a unique and compelling perspective to the national conversation. He transitioned from being a symbol of parental strength in a child safety crisis to an advocate for authenticity and acceptance in the face of religious and societal pressures. He has since continued to share his personal journey through interviews and speaking engagements, emphasizing that there is "no cure" for being gay and advocating for greater understanding and compassion.

Ed Smart's Current Life and Enduring Legacy in 2025

As of 2025, Ed Smart's life is defined by a powerful synergy between his two major roles. He is an active keynote speaker, blending his experiences as a survivor's father and his personal journey of self-discovery. His speaking engagements now cover a broader range of topics, including child advocacy, human trafficking awareness, and the importance of living an authentic life.

He continues to work with various organizations, promoting the lessons learned from Elizabeth’s case and emphasizing the need for robust child protection laws and community vigilance. His commitment to the Surviving Parents Coalition and the ongoing mission of The Elizabeth Smart Foundation remains paramount.

Ed Smart's current legacy is one of profound duality: a man who faced down one of the nation’s most horrific crimes and, years later, found the courage to face his own truth in the public eye. His story serves as a powerful reminder that resilience is not just about overcoming external threats, but also about the internal strength required to live an honest life.

The public nature of his transformation has solidified his status not just as the father of Elizabeth Smart, but as an independent voice for personal truth and advocacy, proving that it is never too late to embrace one's authentic self, regardless of the public cost.