About me

Cal Dobbs (he/him) is a renowned transgender endurance athlete, educator, coach, and public speaker from Los Angeles, CA.

In July of 2023 he completed his 2,800 mile run across America to fight for the inclusion of transgender people in sports and access to gender affirming healthcare and became the first trans person to complete this endeavor. Along the way Cal raised nearly $100,000 for grassroots lgbtq groups supporting trans people most impacted by anti-trans legislation.

Cal has been featured on several news outlets and publications for this achievement including CNN and Outside Magazine. He has given countless presentations and speeches at colleges, universities, symposiums, and community events.

Cal was invited to the White House by President Biden during his run for the President's Pride Celebration. He was also invited to be a Keynote speaker at the Annual National Recreation and Parks Association conference in Dallas, TX.

Cal has collaborated with several brands including Merrell, REI, Deuter, Big Agnes, Waysyders, Sawyer, Janji, Smart Wool and more. Post-run Cal and his team channeled the momentum of community organizing around running into a growing series of 5k fun runs called the Trans Pride 5K that focus on bringing resources and attention to grassroots community groups serving transgender people most impacted by anti trans legislation. Learn more HERE.

Cal and his team are currently producing a feature length documentary about the run and the advocacy Cal did along the way to be released in 2027 and they have mobilized the national attention and popularity of the Trans Pride 5K to expand this work into a nonprofit called For Trans Lives. FTL is a non-profit whose goal to create inclusive, affirming, and high-impact community events within the arts and athletics, designed to uplift, celebrate, and materially support Trans and GNC people.

In addition to being the first trans person to run across America, in 2022 Cal became the first known transgender person to complete the prestigious Triple Crown of hiking which includes nearly 8,000 miles of walking across America's three premier National Scenic Trails, all as a fundraiser for LGBTQ+ support groups.

Cal has a BA in Sociology & Anthropology and Education with a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies from Swarthmore College where he also obtained his national secondary school teaching certification (an achievement that is rarely awarded to undergraduates).

Cal has worked as an educational researcher at both the USC Rossier Graduate School of Education and the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools. He has taught high school history and coached running for five years at Venice High School and View Park High School in Los Angeles, CA.

So what is Cal up to now? In 2026 Cal and five friends founded a program called CAMPY for lgbtq individuals to learn survival skills and backpacking competency to build confidence, community, and connection to the outdoors. They will be hosting their fourth event this year in November.

On 01/01/2027 Cal will embark on a run no one has ever dared. In 2027 and 2028 Cal Dobbs will run every single street in Los Angeles, a feat that includes running 12,000 miles across 150 zip codes, 500+ neighborhoods, exploring the home of nearly 4 million people. Stay tuned.