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John,
Today is Pennsylvania state Representative Brian Sims's 43rd birthday ( don't forget to sign his birthday card here! [[link removed]] ). We're taking some time today to celebrate Brian's countless achievements - and his undisputed commitment to LGBTQ equality.
There are two words that describe Brian perfectly: vocal and determined. Prior to his groundbreaking election, Brian worked as an LGBTQ activist, lawyer and president of Equality Pennsylvania. He earned several accolades, including being named as one of the Top 40 LGBT Attorneys Under 40 by the National LGBT Bar Association. In 2012, Brian took on a 28-year incumbent and won decisively (no doubt using the tips and tricks he picked up when he attended a Victory Institute Candidate & Campaign Training). He made history as the first out state legislator ever elected in Pennsylvania history.
Pro-equality forces have been in the minority for much, if not all, of Brian's tenure in the state legislature. And thanks to a partisan gerrymandering process, many bigots felt they could say any hateful thing and propose countless pieces of anti-LGBTQ legislation. But Brian has been there to hold them accountable, steadfastly demanding both fairness and equality. In his first ever speech on the House floor, Brian decried a proposed ban on using insurance coverage for abortions. In words that still ring true today, he stated “each of us put our hand on the Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution. We did not put our hands on the Constitution and swear to uphold the Bible.”
He started with a bang - and has kept the momentum going every since. Over the years, homophobes have tried to silence Brian on issues ranging from memorializing Pulse victims, defending the 2020 election results, trans rights, reproductive justice, environmental reform and more. In 2013, Brian attempted to speak on the House floor supporting the downfall of the Defense of Marriage Act before being blocked by notorious bigot Daryl Metcalfe, who called his speech an "open rebellion against God's law."
Undeterred, Brian introduced legislation that would legalize marriage equality in 2013 and fought to close the gender pay gap, as well as legislation banning conversion therapy in the state. He is credited with successfully lobbying U.S. Senator Bob Casey to publicly support marriage equality and convincing Republican U.S. Senator Pat Toomey to vote for ENDA.
During his 10 years in the House, Brian has fought battle after battle and ensured that Pennsylvania's pro-equality movement has a voice in the legislature. He has stood up in the face of stiff opposition, facing death threats and bigotry (often from other members of the House) for his perseverance. His tenacity and commitment cannot be understated - and we're proud to celebrate his birthday and work today.
Happy birthday, Rep. Sims. Here's to many more (don't forget to sign his card!).
LGBTQ Victory Institute
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Victory Institute is ONLY national organization dedicated to elevating openly LGBTQ leaders who can further equality at all levels of government. Through our trainings [[link removed]] , professional development programs [[link removed]] and yearly conferences [[link removed]] , Victory Institute prepares hundreds of out individuals to launch an influential careers in politics, government, business and advocacy. Many of our trainees join the more than 1,000 openly LGBTQ elected and appointed officials [[link removed]] now serving around the world.
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