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| education = [[Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania]] ([[Bachelor of Science|BS]])<br>[[Michigan State University]] ([[Juris Doctor|JD]]) |
| education = [[Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania]] ([[Bachelor of Science|BS]])<br>[[Michigan State University]] ([[Juris Doctor|JD]]) |
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'''Brian Kendall Sims''' (born September 16, 1978)<ref name="BRIAN K. SIMS">{{cite web|url=https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/BiosHistory/MemBio.cfm?ID=2459&body=H|title=BRIAN K. SIMS|website=The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly.|access-date=May 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506140503/https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/BiosHistory/MemBio.cfm?ID=2459&body=H|archive-date=May 6, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> is an American politician, activist and attorney. A [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]], he was a member of the [[Pennsylvania House of Representatives]] for the 182nd district from 2013 until 2022. Sims is also a lawyer and advocate for [[LGBT civil rights]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.progressiveleaders.org/states/pennsylvania/faculty/sims_bio.html |title=The Center For Progressive Leadership. Retrieved 2011-12-5 |publisher=Progressiveleaders.org |access-date=December 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426022320/http://www.progressiveleaders.org/states/pennsylvania/faculty/sims_bio.html |archive-date=April 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Sims |
'''Brian Kendall Sims''' (born September 16, 1978)<ref name="BRIAN K. SIMS">{{cite web|url=https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/BiosHistory/MemBio.cfm?ID=2459&body=H|title=BRIAN K. SIMS|website=The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly.|access-date=May 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506140503/https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/BiosHistory/MemBio.cfm?ID=2459&body=H|archive-date=May 6, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> is an American politician, activist and attorney. A [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]], he was a member of the [[Pennsylvania House of Representatives]] for the 182nd district from 2013 until 2022. Sims is also a lawyer and advocate for [[LGBT civil rights]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.progressiveleaders.org/states/pennsylvania/faculty/sims_bio.html |title=The Center For Progressive Leadership. Retrieved 2011-12-5 |publisher=Progressiveleaders.org |access-date=December 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426022320/http://www.progressiveleaders.org/states/pennsylvania/faculty/sims_bio.html |archive-date=April 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Sims became the first openly gay elected state legislator in Pennsylvania history.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/26/brian-sims-pennsylvania-lawmaker-gay_n_1455485.html | work=Huffington Post | first=Nicholas | last=Wing | title=Pennsylvania Set To Elect First Openly Gay State Lawmaker | date=April 26, 2012 | access-date=February 18, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303171905/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/26/brian-sims-pennsylvania-lawmaker-gay_n_1455485.html | archive-date=March 3, 2016 | url-status=live }}</ref> He won re-election on November 6, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lgbtq-midterm-elections_n_5be29707e4b0dbe871a49ea0|title=LGBTQ Candidates Record Historic Midterm Wins In Rainbow Wave|first=Dominique|last=Mosbergen|date=November 7, 2018|website=HuffPost|access-date=May 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702231431/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lgbtq-midterm-elections_n_5be29707e4b0dbe871a49ea0|archive-date=July 2, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> He was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for [[lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania]] in [[2022 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election|2022]], finishing in second place behind [[Austin Davis (politician)|Austin Davis]] with 25% of the vote. Since leaving public office in 2022, Sims has served as the Managing Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Out Leadership. In 2023, he joined the Board of Trustees of the [[Tyler Clementi Foundation]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Board of Trustees & Advisory Council |url=https://tylerclementi.org/our_board/ |access-date=2023-09-06 |website=Tyler Clementi Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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==Early life and education== |
==Early life and education== |
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Sims was born in [[Washington, D.C.]], the son of two Army lieutenant colonels of Irish descent.<ref name="religionnews.com">{{cite web|url=https://religionnews.com/2014/09/10/gay-nonreligious-republican-state-interview-pa-rep-brian-sims/|title=Gay and nonreligious in a Republican state, Rep. Brian Sims puts his faith in humanity - Religion News Service|date=September 10, 2014|access-date=October 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019121856/https://religionnews.com/2014/09/10/gay-nonreligious-republican-state-interview-pa-rep-brian-sims/|archive-date=October 19, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://epgn.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Family+Portrait-+Brian+Sims%20&id=3177389-Family+Portrait-+Brian+Sims |title=Family Portrait Brian Sims |work=The Philadelphia Gay News |access-date=December 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006151111/http://epgn.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Family+Portrait-+Brian+Sims%20&id=3177389-Family+Portrait-+Brian+Sims |archive-date=October 6, 2011 }}</ref> Sims was raised in the [[Catholic Church]] but stopped attending church at the age of 16.<ref name="religionnews.com"/> Sims lived in seventeen states before settling in [[Pennsylvania]] in the early-1990s.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite news|url=http://epgn.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Sims+to+challenge+Babette+Josephs+in+182nd+Dist-%20&id=15424897 |title=Sims to challenge Babette Josephs in 182nd Dist |work=The Philadelphia Gay News |access-date=December 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006064952/http://epgn.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Sims+to+challenge+Babette+Josephs+in+182nd+Dist-%20&id=15424897 |archive-date=October 6, 2011 }}</ref> He graduated from [[Downingtown High School]] in [[Downingtown, Pennsylvania]], in 1997.<ref>{{cite web |title=Representative Brian Sims - PA House of Representatives |url=https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/house_bio.cfm?id=1650 |website=PA House of Representatives |access-date=20 January 2021}}</ref> He later completed his undergraduate studies at [[Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania|Bloomsburg University]], in [[Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania]], in 2001. In 2000, Sims was the co-captain of the Bloomsburg University football team, and was recognized as a scholar athlete.<ref>{{cite web |last=Zeigler |first=Cyd |url=http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2011/08/24/moment-43-brian-sims-tells-his-story-nine-years-later/ |title=Brian Sims tells his story nine years later |publisher=Outsports.com |date=August 24, 2011 |access-date=December 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012154331/http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2011/08/24/moment-43-brian-sims-tells-his-story-nine-years-later/ |archive-date=October 12, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> During the 2000 season, the longest season in the [[Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference|Division II]] school's history, Sims [[coming out|came out]] as gay to his teammates |
Sims was born in [[Washington, D.C.]], the son of two Army lieutenant colonels of Irish descent.<ref name="religionnews.com">{{cite web|url=https://religionnews.com/2014/09/10/gay-nonreligious-republican-state-interview-pa-rep-brian-sims/|title=Gay and nonreligious in a Republican state, Rep. Brian Sims puts his faith in humanity - Religion News Service|date=September 10, 2014|access-date=October 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019121856/https://religionnews.com/2014/09/10/gay-nonreligious-republican-state-interview-pa-rep-brian-sims/|archive-date=October 19, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://epgn.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Family+Portrait-+Brian+Sims%20&id=3177389-Family+Portrait-+Brian+Sims |title=Family Portrait Brian Sims |work=The Philadelphia Gay News |access-date=December 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006151111/http://epgn.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Family+Portrait-+Brian+Sims%20&id=3177389-Family+Portrait-+Brian+Sims |archive-date=October 6, 2011 }}</ref> Sims was raised in the [[Catholic Church]] but stopped attending church at the age of 16.<ref name="religionnews.com"/> Sims lived in seventeen states before settling in [[Pennsylvania]] in the early-1990s.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite news|url=http://epgn.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Sims+to+challenge+Babette+Josephs+in+182nd+Dist-%20&id=15424897 |title=Sims to challenge Babette Josephs in 182nd Dist |work=The Philadelphia Gay News |access-date=December 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006064952/http://epgn.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Sims+to+challenge+Babette+Josephs+in+182nd+Dist-%20&id=15424897 |archive-date=October 6, 2011 }}</ref> He graduated from [[Downingtown High School]] in [[Downingtown, Pennsylvania]], in 1997.<ref>{{cite web |title=Representative Brian Sims - PA House of Representatives |url=https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/house_bio.cfm?id=1650 |website=PA House of Representatives |access-date=20 January 2021}}</ref> He later completed his undergraduate studies at [[Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania|Bloomsburg University]], in [[Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania]], in 2001. In 2000, Sims was the co-captain of the Bloomsburg University football team, and was recognized as a scholar athlete.<ref>{{cite web |last=Zeigler |first=Cyd |url=http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2011/08/24/moment-43-brian-sims-tells-his-story-nine-years-later/ |title=Brian Sims tells his story nine years later |publisher=Outsports.com |date=August 24, 2011 |access-date=December 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012154331/http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2011/08/24/moment-43-brian-sims-tells-his-story-nine-years-later/ |archive-date=October 12, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> During the 2000 season, the longest season in the [[Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference|Division II]] school's history, Sims [[coming out|came out]] as gay to his teammates;<ref name="outsports1">{{cite web |url=http://www.outsports.com/out-gay-athletes/2013/2/21/4015526/brian-sims-football-gay |title=Former college football captain was openly gay |publisher=Outsports.com |access-date=December 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906161635/http://www.outsports.com/out-gay-athletes/2013/2/21/4015526/brian-sims-football-gay |archive-date=September 6, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> he publicly told his story in 2009.<ref>{{cite news|last=Zeigler |first=Cyd |author-link=Cyd Zeigler|title=Moment #43: Brian Sims tells his story nine years later |date=August 24, 2011 |work=outsports.com |url=http://www.outsports.com/2011/8/24/4051720/moment-43-brian-sims-tells-his-story-nine-years-later |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217221833/http://www.outsports.com/2011/8/24/4051720/moment-43-brian-sims-tells-his-story-nine-years-later |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In 2004, Sims earned a [[Juris Doctor]] in international and [[comparative law]] at the [[Michigan State University College of Law]].<ref name="BRIAN K. SIMS"/> In 2013, Sims completed [[Harvard University]]'s [[John F. Kennedy School of Government]] program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government as a David Bohnett LGBTQ Victory Institute Leadership Fellow.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bohnett Leaders Fellowship Alumni|url=https://victoryinstitute.org/programs/bohnett-leaders-fellowship/bohnett-leaders-fellowship-alumni/|access-date=2021-12-01|website=LGBTQ Victory Institute|language=en-US}}</ref> |
In 2004, Sims earned a [[Juris Doctor]] in international and [[comparative law]] at the [[Michigan State University College of Law]].<ref name="BRIAN K. SIMS"/> In 2013, Sims completed [[Harvard University]]'s [[John F. Kennedy School of Government]] program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government as a [[David Bohnett]] LGBTQ Victory Institute Leadership Fellow.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bohnett Leaders Fellowship Alumni|url=https://victoryinstitute.org/programs/bohnett-leaders-fellowship/bohnett-leaders-fellowship-alumni/|access-date=2021-12-01|website=LGBTQ Victory Institute|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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==Career== |
==Career== |
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Sims made national news on October 3, 2013, when he and fellow Democratic Rep. [[Steve McCarter]] introduced legislation to legalize [[same-sex marriage]] in Pennsylvania.<ref>{{cite web |last=Artavia |first=David |url=http://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2013/06/27/rep-brian-sims-introduce-marriage-bill-pennsylvania |title=Rep. Brian Sims to Introduce Marriage Bill in Pennsylvania |publisher=Advocate.com |date=June 27, 2013 |access-date=June 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127220633/http://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2013/06/27/rep-brian-sims-introduce-marriage-bill-pennsylvania |archive-date=November 27, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Sims has also introduced a bill with fellow Democratic State Representative [[Erin Molchany]] to help reduce and eliminate the gender gap in rate of pay as well as legislation to ban the practice of [[conversion therapy]] with Rep. [[Gerald Mullery]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2013&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1811 |title=Bill Information - House Bill 1811; Regular Session 2013-2014 - PA General Assembly |publisher=Legis.state.pa.us |access-date=June 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906001028/http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2013&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1811 |archive-date=September 6, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20130&cosponId=13711 |title=House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda - PA House of Representatives |publisher=Legis.state.pa.us |date=November 25, 2013 |access-date=June 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905233226/http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20130&cosponId=13711 |archive-date=September 5, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
Sims made national news on October 3, 2013, when he and fellow Democratic Rep. [[Steve McCarter]] introduced legislation to legalize [[same-sex marriage]] in Pennsylvania.<ref>{{cite web |last=Artavia |first=David |url=http://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2013/06/27/rep-brian-sims-introduce-marriage-bill-pennsylvania |title=Rep. Brian Sims to Introduce Marriage Bill in Pennsylvania |publisher=Advocate.com |date=June 27, 2013 |access-date=June 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127220633/http://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2013/06/27/rep-brian-sims-introduce-marriage-bill-pennsylvania |archive-date=November 27, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Sims has also introduced a bill with fellow Democratic State Representative [[Erin Molchany]] to help reduce and eliminate the gender gap in rate of pay as well as legislation to ban the practice of [[conversion therapy]] with Rep. [[Gerald Mullery]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2013&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1811 |title=Bill Information - House Bill 1811; Regular Session 2013-2014 - PA General Assembly |publisher=Legis.state.pa.us |access-date=June 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906001028/http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2013&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1811 |archive-date=September 6, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20130&cosponId=13711 |title=House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda - PA House of Representatives |publisher=Legis.state.pa.us |date=November 25, 2013 |access-date=June 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905233226/http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20130&cosponId=13711 |archive-date=September 5, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Sims has also made efforts to work with federal legislators on issues of [[LGBT]] civil rights.<ref name="philly.com">{{cite web |author=Jonathan Tamari |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/capitolinq/Sims-praises-Toomey-Casey.html |title=Gay PA Rep. praises Toomey, Casey |publisher=Philly.com |access-date=June 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218180211/http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/capitolinq/Sims-praises-Toomey-Casey.html |archive-date=December 18, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 28, 2013, Sims penned an open letter to U.S. Senator and fellow Pennsylvania Democrat [[Bob Casey Jr.]] urging him to come out publicly in support of same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/brian-sims/the-time-is-now-an-open-l_b_2967335.html | work=Huffington Post | first=Brian | last=Sims | title=The Time Is Now: An Open Letter to a U.S. Senator | date=March 28, 2013 | access-date=February 18, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307025344/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brian-sims/the-time-is-now-an-open-l_b_2967335.html | archive-date=March 7, 2016 | url-status=live }}</ref> This, combined with many other calls, ultimately resulted in the senator voicing his support for the measure.<ref>{{cite web |author=Colby Itkowitz, Call Washington Bureau |url=http://articles.mcall.com/2013-04-01/news/mc-pa-bob-casey-support-gay-marriage-20130401_1_gay-marriage-marriage-equality-marriage-act |title=Bob Casey support for gay marriage - Morning Call |publisher=Articles.mcall.com |date=April 1, 2013 |access-date=June 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217224811/http://articles.mcall.com/2013-04-01/news/mc-pa-bob-casey-support-gay-marriage-20130401_1_gay-marriage-marriage-equality-marriage-act |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Senator [[Pat Toomey]] (R-PA) also chose to vote for the [[Employment Non-Discrimination Act]] (ENDA) in the [[U.S. Senate]] after Sims and a number of other activists wrote to him on the matter.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/01/pat-toomey-enda_n_4192491.html | work=Huffington Post | first=Sabrina | last=Siddiqui | title=Openly Gay Lawmaker Calls On Pat Toomey To Back ENDA | date=November 1, 2013 | access-date=February 18, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201033328/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/01/pat-toomey-enda_n_4192491.html | archive-date=February 1, 2016 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.politicspa.com/toomey-votes-for-enda/52752/ |title=Toomey Votes For ENDA |publisher=PoliticsPA |date=November 7, 2013 |access-date=June 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126195229/http://www.politicspa.com/toomey-votes-for-enda/52752/ |archive-date=November 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
Sims has also made efforts to work with federal legislators on issues of [[LGBT]] civil rights.<ref name="philly.com">{{cite web |author=Jonathan Tamari |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/capitolinq/Sims-praises-Toomey-Casey.html |title=Gay PA Rep. praises Toomey, Casey |date=November 5, 2013 |publisher=Philly.com |access-date=June 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218180211/http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/capitolinq/Sims-praises-Toomey-Casey.html |archive-date=December 18, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 28, 2013, Sims penned an open letter to U.S. Senator and fellow Pennsylvania Democrat [[Bob Casey Jr.]] urging him to come out publicly in support of same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/brian-sims/the-time-is-now-an-open-l_b_2967335.html | work=Huffington Post | first=Brian | last=Sims | title=The Time Is Now: An Open Letter to a U.S. Senator | date=March 28, 2013 | access-date=February 18, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307025344/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brian-sims/the-time-is-now-an-open-l_b_2967335.html | archive-date=March 7, 2016 | url-status=live }}</ref> This, combined with many other calls, ultimately resulted in the senator voicing his support for the measure.<ref>{{cite web |author=Colby Itkowitz, Call Washington Bureau |url=http://articles.mcall.com/2013-04-01/news/mc-pa-bob-casey-support-gay-marriage-20130401_1_gay-marriage-marriage-equality-marriage-act |title=Bob Casey support for gay marriage - Morning Call |publisher=Articles.mcall.com |date=April 1, 2013 |access-date=June 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217224811/http://articles.mcall.com/2013-04-01/news/mc-pa-bob-casey-support-gay-marriage-20130401_1_gay-marriage-marriage-equality-marriage-act |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Senator [[Pat Toomey]] (R-PA) also chose to vote for the [[Employment Non-Discrimination Act]] (ENDA) in the [[U.S. Senate]] after Sims and a number of other activists wrote to him on the matter.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/01/pat-toomey-enda_n_4192491.html | work=Huffington Post | first=Sabrina | last=Siddiqui | title=Openly Gay Lawmaker Calls On Pat Toomey To Back ENDA | date=November 1, 2013 | access-date=February 18, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201033328/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/01/pat-toomey-enda_n_4192491.html | archive-date=February 1, 2016 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.politicspa.com/toomey-votes-for-enda/52752/ |title=Toomey Votes For ENDA |publisher=PoliticsPA |date=November 7, 2013 |access-date=June 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126195229/http://www.politicspa.com/toomey-votes-for-enda/52752/ |archive-date=November 26, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On November 11, 2013, Sims teamed with Republican State Representative [[Bryan Cutler]] to introduce a bill to replace Pennsylvania's system of electing judges with a merit-based system, which did not receive debate in the PA House.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2013/11/18/On-its-merits/stories/201311150059 | work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | title=On its merits: A new bill offers sense on judicial elections - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | date=November 18, 2013 | access-date=December 17, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217224457/http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2013/11/18/On-its-merits/stories/201311150059 | archive-date=December 17, 2013 | url-status=live }}</ref> |
On November 11, 2013, Sims teamed with Republican State Representative [[Bryan Cutler]] to introduce a bill to replace Pennsylvania's system of electing judges with a merit-based system, which did not receive debate in the PA House.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2013/11/18/On-its-merits/stories/201311150059 | work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | title=On its merits: A new bill offers sense on judicial elections - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | date=November 18, 2013 | access-date=December 17, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217224457/http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2013/11/18/On-its-merits/stories/201311150059 | archive-date=December 17, 2013 | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On February 15, 2021, Sims announced via Twitter that he was running for lieutenant governor in the 2022 election.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Towle|first=Andy|date=2021-02-15|title=Out Lawmaker Brian Sims Announces Run for Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania: WATCH|url=https://www.towleroad.com/2021/02/brian-sims-lieutenant-governor/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215155435/https://www.towleroad.com/2021/02/brian-sims-lieutenant-governor/ |archive-date=February 15, 2021 |access-date=2021-02-15|website=Towleroad Gay News|language=en-US}}</ref> |
On February 15, 2021, Sims announced via Twitter that he was running for lieutenant governor in the 2022 election.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Towle|first=Andy|date=2021-02-15|title=Out Lawmaker Brian Sims Announces Run for Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania: WATCH|url=https://www.towleroad.com/2021/02/brian-sims-lieutenant-governor/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215155435/https://www.towleroad.com/2021/02/brian-sims-lieutenant-governor/ |archive-date=February 15, 2021 |access-date=2021-02-15|website=Towleroad Gay News|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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Sims' campaign struggled to take off.<ref name="Inquirer">{{cite web |last=Brennan |first=Chris |title=Josh Shapiro to Brian Sims: 'Cease and desist' running ad that touts endorsement |url=https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/josh-shapiro-brian-sims-lieutenant-governor-ad-cease-desist-20220418.html|website=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]}}</ref> Both [[Josh Shapiro]], the [[Pennsylvania Attorney General]] and presumptive Democratic nominee for Governor, and the [[Pennsylvania Democratic Party]] endorsed State Representative [[Austin Davis (politician)|Austin Davis]] for Lieutenant Governor.<ref name="Inquirer" /> Seven Democratic State Representative and State Senate caucus leaders came forward and called for Sims to drop out from the race saying he was putting "his own self-interests above that of the party."<ref name="Inquirer" /> Shapiro's campaign issued a “cease and desist” letter to Sims' campaign after Sims' campaign ran ads falsely implying that Sims was endorsed by Shapiro.<ref name="Inquirer" /> |
Sims' campaign struggled to take off.<ref name="Inquirer">{{cite web |last=Brennan |first=Chris |title=Josh Shapiro to Brian Sims: 'Cease and desist' running ad that touts endorsement |url=https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/josh-shapiro-brian-sims-lieutenant-governor-ad-cease-desist-20220418.html|website=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]|date=April 18, 2022 }}</ref> Both [[Josh Shapiro]], the [[Pennsylvania Attorney General]] and presumptive Democratic nominee for Governor, and the [[Pennsylvania Democratic Party]] endorsed State Representative [[Austin Davis (politician)|Austin Davis]] for Lieutenant Governor.<ref name="Inquirer" /> Seven Democratic State Representative and State Senate caucus leaders came forward and called for Sims to drop out from the race saying he was putting "his own self-interests above that of the party."<ref name="Inquirer" /> Shapiro's campaign issued a “cease and desist” letter to Sims' campaign after Sims' campaign ran ads falsely implying that Sims was endorsed by Shapiro.<ref name="Inquirer" /> |
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Sims lost the primary election to Davis in a landslide. Sims finished in a distant second place, with 24.9% of the vote, compared to Davis' 63.1%.<ref>{{cite news |title= Lieutenant Governor: Pennsylvania Primary Results (D) |url=https://www.cnn.com/election/2022/results/pennsylvania/democratic-primaries/lieutenant-governor |access-date=19 May 2022 |work=[[CNN]] |date=19 May 2022}}</ref> Davis won every county in the state including Sims' home county of Philadelphia. |
Sims lost the primary election to Davis in a landslide. Sims finished in a distant second place, with 24.9% of the vote, compared to Davis' 63.1%.<ref>{{cite news |title= Lieutenant Governor: Pennsylvania Primary Results (D) |url=https://www.cnn.com/election/2022/results/pennsylvania/democratic-primaries/lieutenant-governor |access-date=19 May 2022 |work=[[CNN]] |date=19 May 2022}}</ref> Davis won every county in the state including Sims' home county of Philadelphia. |
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*[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/House_bio.cfm?id=1650 Representative Brian Sims (D)] official PA House website |
*[https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/House_bio.cfm?id=1650 Representative Brian Sims (D)] official PA House website |
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Latest revision as of 19:26, 20 May 2024
Brian Sims | |
---|---|
![]() Sims in 2021 | |
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 182nd district | |
In office January 1, 2013 – November 30, 2022 | |
Preceded by | Babette Josephs |
Succeeded by | Ben Waxman |
Personal details | |
Born | Brian Kendall Sims September 16, 1978 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Bildung | Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania (BS) Michigan State University (JD) |
Brian Kendall Sims (born September 16, 1978)[1] is an American politician, activist and attorney. A Democrat, he was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 182nd district from 2013 until 2022. Sims is also a lawyer and advocate for LGBT civil rights.[2] Sims became the first openly gay elected state legislator in Pennsylvania history.[3] He won re-election on November 6, 2018.[4] He was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania in 2022, finishing in second place behind Austin Davis with 25% of the vote. Since leaving public office in 2022, Sims has served as the Managing Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Out Leadership. In 2023, he joined the Board of Trustees of the Tyler Clementi Foundation.[5]
Early life and education
[edit]Sims was born in Washington, D.C., the son of two Army lieutenant colonels of Irish descent.[6][7] Sims was raised in the Catholic Church but stopped attending church at the age of 16.[6] Sims lived in seventeen states before settling in Pennsylvania in the early-1990s.[8] He graduated from Downingtown High School in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, in 1997.[9] He later completed his undergraduate studies at Bloomsburg University, in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, in 2001. In 2000, Sims was the co-captain of the Bloomsburg University football team, and was recognized as a scholar athlete.[10] During the 2000 season, the longest season in the Division II school's history, Sims came out as gay to his teammates;[11] he publicly told his story in 2009.[12]
In 2004, Sims earned a Juris Doctor in international and comparative law at the Michigan State University College of Law.[1] In 2013, Sims completed Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government as a David Bohnett LGBTQ Victory Institute Leadership Fellow.[13]
Career
[edit]Sims worked as the president of Equality Pennsylvania and the chairman of the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia (GALLOP), until he stepped down from both positions in 2011. In 2009, Sims joined the faculty of the Center for Progressive Leadership and the National Campaign Board of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. He was selected as one of the Top 40 LGBT Attorneys Under 40 in the United States by the National LGBT Bar Association in 2010.[14]
Before assuming public office, Sims served as staff counsel for policy and planning at the Philadelphia Bar Association.[15] During his time at the Bar Association, Sims worked with attorneys, legislators and community organizations on issues ranging from gender and pay inequity to environmental regulation.
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
[edit]In 2011, Sims announced his intention to run for representative of the 182nd Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.[8][16] Sims defeated Babette Josephs, a 28-year incumbent, in the 2012 Democratic primary.[17] He did not face a Republican challenger in the November general election and was elected.
Sims was the first openly gay person elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[18] Although he was not sworn in until January 1, 2013, because Pennsylvania state representatives' term of service and legislative duties officially begin on the first day of December following their election,[19] Sims shares the designation of being its first openly gay member with Rep. Mike Fleck (R–Huntingdon), who came out in a newspaper article published later that day.[20]
In June 2013, after the Defense of Marriage Act had been ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, Sims tried to make a speech in the Pennsylvania House supporting the decision, but was blocked by Daryl Metcalfe, among others, who called Sims' comments "open rebellion against God's law."[21]
Sims made national news on October 3, 2013, when he and fellow Democratic Rep. Steve McCarter introduced legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania.[22] Sims has also introduced a bill with fellow Democratic State Representative Erin Molchany to help reduce and eliminate the gender gap in rate of pay as well as legislation to ban the practice of conversion therapy with Rep. Gerald Mullery.[23][24]
Sims has also made efforts to work with federal legislators on issues of LGBT civil rights.[25] On March 28, 2013, Sims penned an open letter to U.S. Senator and fellow Pennsylvania Democrat Bob Casey Jr. urging him to come out publicly in support of same-sex marriage.[26] This, combined with many other calls, ultimately resulted in the senator voicing his support for the measure.[27] Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) also chose to vote for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in the U.S. Senate after Sims and a number of other activists wrote to him on the matter.[28][29]
On November 11, 2013, Sims teamed with Republican State Representative Bryan Cutler to introduce a bill to replace Pennsylvania's system of electing judges with a merit-based system, which did not receive debate in the PA House.[30]
Sims served on the House Commerce, Game and Fish, Human Services, State Government, and Tourism and Recreation Committees. Sims served as Democratic Chair of the Human Services Subcommittee on Mental Health.[31]
Sims has served as the prime sponsor of 68 bills or resolutions, of these, one bill has progressed to be debated on the house floor, and nine resolutions have been passed.[32][33][34][35]
After The New York Times tweeted a cartoon portraying U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as a gay couple, Sims characterized the joke as homophobic.[36]
Sims received attention in 2019 for videos he posted to social media confronting people protesting outside of a Planned Parenthood facility in Philadelphia.[37][38] In April of that year, Sims offered $100 to anyone who could dox three protesters.[39][37][38] A few weeks later, in May, Sims posted another eight-minute video of himself confronting a woman who was protesting by praying with a rosary outside the same facility.[38] He suggested it was unchristian and racist to "shame" people engaging in a lawful activity.[39] He encouraged his social media followers to dox her and protest outside her house.[39][37][40][38] Sims also criticized the Catholic Church by referring to its record on child molestation.[39]
Following the incidents, more than one thousand anti-abortion protesters rallied outside the facility, some anti-abortion activists calling for Sims' resignation.[41] He responded to calls for an apology or that he resign by calling critics bigoted, sexist, and misogynistic "Bible Bullies".[42][43] Sims admitted to being "aggressive" in his confrontation.[39]
2016 congressional campaign
[edit]In the 2016 elections, Sims was briefly a candidate for Pennsylvania's 2nd congressional district, but opted to run for re-election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives instead. Sims was challenged by Lou Lanni, Marni Snyder, and Ben Waxman in the Democratic primary, defeating all three.[44] Sims did not face a Republican challenger in the November 2016 general election.
2022 lieutenant governor campaign
[edit]On February 15, 2021, Sims announced via Twitter that he was running for lieutenant governor in the 2022 election.[45]
Sims' campaign struggled to take off.[46] Both Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania Attorney General and presumptive Democratic nominee for Governor, and the Pennsylvania Democratic Party endorsed State Representative Austin Davis for Lieutenant Governor.[46] Seven Democratic State Representative and State Senate caucus leaders came forward and called for Sims to drop out from the race saying he was putting "his own self-interests above that of the party."[46] Shapiro's campaign issued a “cease and desist” letter to Sims' campaign after Sims' campaign ran ads falsely implying that Sims was endorsed by Shapiro.[46]
Sims lost the primary election to Davis in a landslide. Sims finished in a distant second place, with 24.9% of the vote, compared to Davis' 63.1%.[47] Davis won every county in the state including Sims' home county of Philadelphia.
Following his loss, Sims was involved in a car crash with a state owned vehicle, injuring two people. Multiple attempts by the media to reach Sims for comment were unsuccessful.[48]
2023 career in public policy and non-profits
[edit]In December 2022, Sims became the Managing Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Out Leadership in New York City.[49][50]
In August 2023, he joined the Board of Trustees of the Tyler Clementi Foundation.[49]
Electoral history
[edit]Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Brian Sims | 3,759 | 51.61% | |
Democratic | Babette Josephs | 3,524 | 48.39% | |
Total votes | 7,283 | 100% |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Brian Sims | Unopposed | |||
Total votes | 28,537 | 100% | |||
Democratic hold |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Brian Sims (incumbent) | Unopposed | |||
Total votes | 6,400 | 100% |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Brian Sims (incumbent) | Unopposed | |||
Total votes | 15,808 | 100% | |||
Democratic hold |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Brian Sims (incumbent) | 6,065 | 40.20% | |
Democratic | Benjamin Waxman | 5,151 | 34.14% | |
Democratic | Marni Jo Snyder | 2,060 | 13.66% | |
Democratic | Louis D. Lanni Jr. | 1,810 | 12.0% | |
Total votes | 15,086 | 100% |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Brian Sims (incumbent) | Unopposed | |||
Total votes | 31,733 | 100% | |||
Democratic hold |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Brian Sims (incumbent) | Unopposed | |||
Total votes | 9,046 | 100% |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Brian Sims (incumbent) | 28,234 | 90.56% | −9.44 | |
Independent | James McDevitt | 2,943 | 9.44% | K.A. | |
Total votes | 31,177 | 100% | K.A. | ||
Democratic hold |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Brian Sims (incumbent) | 10,285 | 57.97% | |
Democratic | Marisa Shaaban | 7,457 | 42.03% | |
Total votes | 17,742 | 100% |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Brian Sims (incumbent) | 34,225 | 83.08% | −7.48 | |
Republican | Andrew Murray | 6,969 | 16.92% | K.A. | |
Total votes | 41,194 | 100% | K.A. | ||
Democratic hold |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Austin Davis | 768,141 | 63.00% | |
Democratic | Brian Sims | 305,959 | 25.09% | |
Democratic | Ray Sosa | 145,228 | 11.91% | |
Total votes | 1,219,328 | 100.0% |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "BRIAN K. SIMS". The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Archived from the original on May 6, 2019. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
- ^ "The Center For Progressive Leadership. Retrieved 2011-12-5". Progressiveleaders.org. Archived from the original on April 26, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
- ^ Wing, Nicholas (April 26, 2012). "Pennsylvania Set To Elect First Openly Gay State Lawmaker". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
- ^ Mosbergen, Dominique (November 7, 2018). "LGBTQ Candidates Record Historic Midterm Wins In Rainbow Wave". HuffPost. Archived from the original on July 2, 2019. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
- ^ "Board of Trustees & Advisory Council". Tyler Clementi Foundation. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
- ^ a b "Gay and nonreligious in a Republican state, Rep. Brian Sims puts his faith in humanity - Religion News Service". September 10, 2014. Archived from the original on October 19, 2018. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
- ^ "Family Portrait Brian Sims". The Philadelphia Gay News. Archived from the original on October 6, 2011. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
- ^ a b "Sims to challenge Babette Josephs in 182nd Dist". The Philadelphia Gay News. Archived from the original on October 6, 2011. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
- ^ "Representative Brian Sims - PA House of Representatives". PA House of Representatives. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
- ^ Zeigler, Cyd (August 24, 2011). "Brian Sims tells his story nine years later". Outsports.com. Archived from the original on October 12, 2011. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
- ^ "Former college football captain was openly gay". Outsports.com. Archived from the original on September 6, 2015. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
- ^ Zeigler, Cyd (August 24, 2011). "Moment #43: Brian Sims tells his story nine years later". outsports.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2013.
- ^ "Bohnett Leaders Fellowship Alumni". LGBTQ Victory Institute. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
- ^ "Sims For Pennsylvania: About Brian Sims". Sims4pa.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2011. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
- ^ "Rep. Brian K. Sims' Home Page". Pahouse.com. Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
- ^ "Brian Sims announces candidacy for Pennsylvania's 182nd House District". Sims4pa.com. September 8, 2011. Archived from the original on April 26, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
- ^ "Brian Sims breaks the mold, unseats a long-time incumbent — NewsWorks". Newsworks.org. April 24, 2012. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved February 2, 2013.
- ^ "Gay Politics — Pennsylvania to get first openly gay state legislator". Gaypolitics.com. April 24, 2012. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved February 2, 2013.
- ^ Pennsylvania Constitution, Article II, Section 2 http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Constitution.html Archived August 6, 2017, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Republican State Rep. Mike Fleck: I'm Gay". Politicspa.com. 2012. Archived from the original on October 24, 2015. Retrieved December 1, 2012.
- ^ Reilly, Mollie (June 27, 2013). "Brian Sims, Pennsylvania Lawmaker, Silenced On DOMA By Colleagues Citing 'God's Law'". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on June 29, 2013. Retrieved June 29, 2013.
- ^ Artavia, David (June 27, 2013). "Rep. Brian Sims to Introduce Marriage Bill in Pennsylvania". Advocate.com. Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
- ^ "Bill Information - House Bill 1811; Regular Session 2013-2014 - PA General Assembly". Legis.state.pa.us. Archived from the original on September 6, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
- ^ "House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda - PA House of Representatives". Legis.state.pa.us. November 25, 2013. Archived from the original on September 5, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
- ^ Jonathan Tamari (November 5, 2013). "Gay PA Rep. praises Toomey, Casey". Philly.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
- ^ Sims, Brian (March 28, 2013). "The Time Is Now: An Open Letter to a U.S. Senator". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on March 7, 2016. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
- ^ Colby Itkowitz, Call Washington Bureau (April 1, 2013). "Bob Casey support for gay marriage - Morning Call". Articles.mcall.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2013. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
- ^ Siddiqui, Sabrina (November 1, 2013). "Openly Gay Lawmaker Calls On Pat Toomey To Back ENDA". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on February 1, 2016. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
- ^ "Toomey Votes For ENDA". PoliticsPA. November 7, 2013. Archived from the original on November 26, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
- ^ "On its merits: A new bill offers sense on judicial elections - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. November 18, 2013. Archived from the original on December 17, 2013. Retrieved December 17, 2013.
- ^ Center, Legislativate Data Processing. "Representative Brian Sims". Archived from the original on January 17, 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2012.
- ^ Center, Legislative Data Processing. "Bills by Sponsor, Brian Sims, Session of 2013".
- ^ Center, Legislative Data Processing. "Bills by Sponsor, Brian Sims, Session of 2015".
- ^ Center, Legislative Data Processing. "Bills by Sponsor, Brian Sims, Session of 2017".
- ^ Center, Legislative Data Processing. "Bills by Sponsor, Brian Sims, Session of 2019".
- ^ "New York Times offends with 'homophobic' cartoon depicting Trump, Putin as lovers". Fox News. July 17, 2018. Archived from the original on July 17, 2018. Retrieved July 17, 2018.
- ^ a b c Gstalter, Morgan (May 8, 2019). "Pennsylvania state lawmaker responds to backlash: 'I will do better'". The Hill. Archived from the original on May 9, 2019. Retrieved May 9, 2019.
- ^ a b c d Argos, Greg (May 8, 2019). "Mother Of Teens State Rep. Brian Sims Confronted At Planned Parenthood Says She's Concerned For Family's Safety". 3 CBS Philly. Archived from the original on May 9, 2019. Retrieved May 9, 2019.
- ^ a b c d e Cummings, William (May 9, 2019). "Philadelphia Archbishop slams Pennsylvania lawmaker who confronted abortion protesters". USA Today. Archived from the original on May 9, 2019. Retrieved May 9, 2019.
- ^ Fiorillo, Victor (May 6, 2019). "Brian Sims Berates "Old White Lady" Protesting at Philly Planned Parenthood". Philadelphia. Archived from the original on May 8, 2019. Retrieved May 6, 2019.
- ^ "'We Will Not Back Down To Bullies': Anti-Abortion Rally Outside Philadelphia Planned Parenthood Draws Large Crowd". CBS3 Philly. May 10, 2019. Archived from the original on May 12, 2019. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
- ^ Palmer, Ewan (May 7, 2019). "Rep. Brian Sims Confronts Pro-Life Protesters at Planned Parenthood Clinic: 'What You're Doing Here is Disgusting'". Newsweek. Archived from the original on May 7, 2019. Retrieved May 7, 2019.
- ^ Gstalter, Morgan (May 7, 2019). "Pennsylvania lawmaker offers $100 to anyone identifying anti-abortion protesters". The Hill. Archived from the original on May 7, 2019. Retrieved May 7, 2019.
- ^ "Pennsylvania - Summary Vote Results". Associated Press. April 26, 2016. Archived from the original on April 30, 2016. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
- ^ Towle, Andy (February 15, 2021). "Out Lawmaker Brian Sims Announces Run for Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania: WATCH". Towleroad Gay News. Archived from the original on February 15, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
- ^ a b c d Brennan, Chris (April 18, 2022). "Josh Shapiro to Brian Sims: 'Cease and desist' running ad that touts endorsement". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
- ^ "Lieutenant Governor: Pennsylvania Primary Results (D)". CNN. May 19, 2022. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
- ^ "Former legislator involved in crash, victims want help paying damages". fox43.com. December 1, 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ a b "Board of Trustees & Advisory Council". Tyler Clementi Foundation. Retrieved August 24, 2023.
- ^ "Our Team". Out Leadership. Retrieved August 24, 2023.
- ^ "2022 Primary Election Official Results". Pennsylvania Department of State. May 17, 2022.
External links
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Brian Sims for Pennsylvania official campaign website
- State Representative Brian Sims official caucus website
- Representative Brian Sims (D) official PA House website
- 1978 births
- 21st-century American legislators
- American former Christians
- American people of Irish descent
- Bloomsburg Huskies football players
- Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania alumni
- Critics of the Catholic Church
- Former Roman Catholics
- American gay politicians
- American gay sportsmen
- LGBT players of American football
- American LGBT rights activists
- LGBT state legislators in Pennsylvania
- Living people
- Democratic Party members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
- Michigan State University College of Law alumni
- Pennsylvania lawyers
- Players of American football from Pennsylvania
- Politicians from Washington, D.C.
- 21st-century American LGBT people
- 21st-century Pennsylvania politicians