Tag: Brian Sims

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Pennsylvania: State Rep. Brian Sims Announces Run For Congress

The very smart (and let’s face – seriously woofy) Pennsylvania State Rep. Brian Sims has announced he will seek run for Pennsylvania’s 2nd Congressional District.

The 37 year old currently represents Philadelphia’s City Center.

From his announcement today:

When I was 16, I decided I wanted to be a civil rights lawyer. I saw injustice and discrimination around me, and I wanted to stop it.

I’ve spent my life fighting for equality. Whether tackling gender and pay equity as a civil rights attorney, or standing up for justice reform in Harrisburg, I’ve never backed down from the big fights. And I never will.

And that’s why—I wanted you to be one of the first to know—today I’m announcing my candidacy for Pennsylvania’s 2nd Congressional District.

Now I’ve just got one question: Are you with me?

Working side by side, I know we can create real economic fairness and opportunity. I will fight to strengthen education so all of our kids can get a fair shot. And I will stand up to the NRA to get the guns off our streets.

The Congressional seat Sims is running for is currently occupied by Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.), who was indicted in July as a result of alleged roles in a racketeering conspiracy.

He was the first openly gay person elected to the Pennsylvania Legislature.

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Quote of the Day: Brian Sims – “Demand Substance”

Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims

From one of my favorite state lawmakers, Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims shared this today via Facebook:

“Just as Hillary Clinton’s clothing and make-up choices should be absolutely off-limits to anyone of substance discussing American politics, so too should Donald J. Trump’s hairstyle.

“Is it any wonder that a guy like him would surge in the polls when we treat national elections like High School Bullying contests.

“We’ve pushed this election into his comfort zone with name calling, intensely personal attacks, and useless spin. It’s all he has.

“We can take it back from him by actually focusing on real issues… something he can’t do.

“Demand substance and model it. Care about what his politics look like, not his hairstyle.”

‪#‎DemandSubstance‬

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Pennsylvania: Gay-Bashing Trio Lose In Attempt To Have Charges Dropped

A Philadelphia judge today ruled against reducing or dropping any of the charges brought against three Bucks County defendants accused of attacking a gay couple last September in Center City.

The attack left one man with a broken jaw and other facial injuries.

After reviewing more than 100 pages of testimony from the preliminary hearing stage, Judge Frank Palumbo ruled that Kevin Harrigan, Philip Williams, and Kathryn Knott will stand trial for all charges filed thus far.

Unfortunately, no hate crime charges at this time.

More details at CBSPhilly.com

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Woofy Penn. State Rep. Brian Sims Wishes You Happy Holidays

One of the LGBT community’s best (and woofiest) representatives, Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims wishes you “Happy Holidays:”

Christmas is finally upon us and I’m enjoying my final hours in my favorite city. I try to use this time each year to reflect on the months and seasons that led us all here and I hope you find a few moments to do the same.

It goes without saying that this year has seen some really incredibly gains and some very notable losses for far too many people. I’m hoping to use both to inspire and challenge me in the year ahead.

I also remember that the holidays can be tough for some friends and neighbors so please make sure to keep them in your thoughts, prayers, and actions.

I’m so grateful for the communities I come from, the messages we carry, and the job I get to do! I want to say thank you, Merry Christmas, and have a wonderful holiday season.

Brian

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Philadelphia: Despite Rain Over 300 Rally Against Hate Crimes

Openly gay Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims shared this tweet earlier today in reference to the Love Park rally held today in support of adding sexual orientation to the state’s current hate crimes bill.

At the rally Sims said, “There are some in Harrisburg who object to restoring sexual orientation and gender identity protections to the hate-crime law. But they haven’t been calling for repeal of the law’s remaining protections, for victims targeted because of their race, color, religion or national origin — they know they would take a political hit for that. Unfortunately, they think there’s no political penalty or constituent outrage to face for leaving out women, LGBT people, or people targeted because of their ancestry or mental or physical disability. Pennsylvanians who don’t like this injustice need to let their state representative and senator know now.”

Watch Sims’ impassioned speech this past Tuesday in the state capitol where he expressed his frustration about the LGBT community’s lack of rights outside of marriage.

This state doesn’t offer a single statewide LGBT civil right to people like me other than marriage, and that’s ridiculous,” Sims said, gesturing emphatically.

“Don’t let people tell you that we only have six or seven days left in session,” Sims added. “That’s B.S.!”

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Pennsylvania State Sen. Jim Ferlo Comes Out At Hate Crimes Bill Rally

State Rep. Brian Sims of Pennsylvania speaks at press conference for adding LGBT protections to hate crime law

The recent vicious gay bashing that took place almost two weeks ago in Philadelphia has spurned renewed interest in state legislators to add sexual orientation to the state’s hate crime law.

Although there appears to be wide bipartisan support, the GOP-controlled Senate has not shown much interest in bringing the legislation to a vote.

From ABC6:

State Senator Larry Farnese of Philadelphia says the fact that there are only a few days left before the end of the current legislative session is no excuse to keep Senate Bill 42 from getting passed.

Farnese said a press conference this morning, “We can do a separate session or a special session on booze, we’ll do a special session on pensions. Why can’t we do a special session on equality?”

Senate Bill 42 and House Bill 177 are measures designed to expand Pennsylvania’s hate crime law to include lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens.

Representative Brian Sims of Philadelphia, who is also a member of the LGBT community, says the fact that this issue is still being debated in Harrisburg is nothing short of outrageous.

Sims says, “Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Get used to it. There’s a million of us in this state, and we deserve the same rights and the same protections as everybody else.”

Senate Bill 42 was drafted by Senator Jim Ferlo of Pittsburgh, who took the opportunity to formally come out.

“Hundreds of people know I’m gay. I just never made an official declaration. I never felt I had to wear a billboard on my forehead. But I’m gay. Get over it. I love it. It’s a great life,” Ferlo said.

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Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims does the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Hunky and handsome out Pennsylvania legislator Brian Sims posts his recent video taking part in the “ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.”  I think we’re all a little disappointed that Brian chose to wear clothes, but admire him for bringing attention to ALS.

About the “Ice Bucket Challenge:”

As a part of the so-called “ice bucket challenge,” started by a Massachusetts resident who has lived with ALS since 2012 to raise awareness for the disease, after posting their own ice-bucket videos, participants nominate others to get drenched via social media to keep the cycle going. If those challenged don’t accept, or fail to post their video within 24-hours, they must donate cash to ALS research.

Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, a devastating neuromuscular disease for which there is no effective treatment or cure. ALS impacts the brain and spinal chord, causing progressive paralysis.

For more info about ALS and to donate, click here.

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Bear Week in Provincetown: Power Bears

Left to right: Chris Turner, Andy Towle, Michael Goff, Armistead Maupin, Joe Jervis and Brian Sims

Power Bears!!!

Final pic to post from Bear Week in Provincetown this past week:

Both Andy Towle (of Towleroad) and Joe Jervis (of JoeMyGod) shared this pic featuring Andy, his cohort Michael Goff, Joe, Armistead Maupin and husband Chris Turner and the very woofy Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims.

If you don’t already, you should be following Andy and Joe on their blogs.  These two guys do it better than anyone; and with very singular voices.  Really what blogging is all about.

Of course, Armistead Maupin is a legend in the literary world.

And, well, what is there left to say about Rep. Brian Sims?  Sims for President!

Looks like everyone had a great time this week.  Hoping to make it there in 2015.  Thanks for carrying on, guys, and sharing the view.