Story perspectives

CIA dismantles LGBTQ+ group, ends Curlee’s advising role

8/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

The CIA dismantled its LGBTQ+ group, removed Pride flags and limited transgender workers, so Curlee can no longer advise LGBT Americans to apply.
President Donald Trump’s January 2025 gender-recognition order expelled 160 NSC staff, with Curlee remaining in the White House for 69 days.
Curlee joined the CIA in 2007, became its first openly transgender officer in 2013, briefed Vice President Mike Pence and told The Atlantic about the agency’s changes.

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Story summary

The CIA dismantled its LGBTQ+ group, removed Pride flags and limited transgender workers, so Curlee can no longer advise LGBT Americans to apply.
President Donald Trump’s January 2025 gender-recognition order expelled 160 NSC staff, with Curlee remaining in the White House for 69 days.
Curlee joined the CIA in 2007, became its first openly transgender officer in 2013, briefed Vice President Mike Pence and told The Atlantic about the agency’s changes.