Hunky Brian Sims Banned From Facebook For Reporting Homophobic Troll

Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims  (image via Facebook)

I love that woofy, gay Pennsylvania state legislator Brian Sims does not back down from trolls and haters.

So, last week when a woman who appeared to be named “Jill Freb” sent him a message on social media reading, “You get out, f*gg*t,” Sims didn’t pause to share the comment with his followers.

Sims wrote, “Anyone know my new friend Jill?” He posted a pic of the comment and asked his peeps to report the comment to the powers that be at Facebook

But then, is a strange reversal, Sims himself was blocked from posting on his own account for sharing Kreb’s homophobic comment.

“Last night, I got back from the governor’s swearing-in ceremony,” Sims told Metro Weekly. “I went to put up some information about the swearing-in and a trans candidate who’s announcing a campaign today, and I got a notification that, because of that specific post with her telling me to “get out” and calling me a “faggot” — not even the other posts associated with it — I had been blocked from all my accounts, both public and personal.”

THIS IS REAL? So that post, where I got called a faggot last week on Facebook ...publicly on my Page, @facebook has banned ME for 24 hours as a result it! Anyone at @facebook or @fbnewsroom care to explain this one?!?! pic.twitter.com/6ngslvLMOX

— Brian Sims (@BrianSimsPA) January 16, 2019

Eventually, Sims got his Facebook account reinstated, admittedly because he happens to know some folks there.

So I guess the advantage of knowing a few people at Facebook, some journalists who saw this post, and a whole lot of organizations that interact with Facebook is that my account was reactivated. THANKS! No explanation. No response yet from @facebook. What. About. Everyone. Else? pic.twitter.com/mZd3YwrBL1

— Brian Sims (@BrianSimsPA) January 16, 2019

But Sims wasn’t done with the issue.

“I have dozens of connections to Facebook and had to use all of them to fix this,” he wrote. “What happens to the person who doesn’t know anyone there?”

He went on to say he never received any “explanation from Facebook Diversity, Government and Politics on Facebook or Facebook HQ” about the lockdown.

Eventually, Facebook responded to MetroWeekly with a statement regarding the ‘mistake.’

“We allow people to share messages they receive even hateful ones,” wrote the Facebook spokesman. “Removing this post was a mistake in misunderstanding that it was discussing a message Representative Sims had himself experienced. The post does not violate our Community Standards and has been restored and Representative Sims is no longer in a feature block.”

But Sims still has concerns for the free speech of those who may not have his connections or position.

“This isn’t just about getting my Facebook page turned back on,” said Sims. “This either needs to continue or start a conversation about what Facebook is doing, authentically, substantively, to make sure they’re not culling legitimate speech and not endorsing, supporting, or lifting up illegitimate speech — whether it’s hate speech or fake accounts.”

Keep fighting, Brian. We think you're awesome.

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My new bodyguard is spending the day in my Capitol Office and so far she’s just lying around on the job! #PupProtector

A post shared by Brian Sims (@briansimspa) on Dec 18, 2018 at 9:08am PST

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A post shared by Brian Sims (@briansimspa) on Aug 25, 2018 at 2:36pm PDT

Brian Sims Calls Out GOP Lawmaker "Stop Lying. It's Gross."

Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims

Woofy Brian Sims of Pennsylvania does not suffer fools gladly.

It all began when Marsha Blackburn, the Tennessee Republican who was recently elected to the U.S. Senate, took to Twitter to blame Democrats for the shutdown of several federal departments and agencies.

"I am disappointed to see that the Senate Democrats chose to shut down our government instead of secure our southern border," wrote Blackburn on Saturday. "The American people deserve to be protected against drug cartels and human traffickers."

As has been widely reported, the current government shutdown occurred because Donald Trump reneged on an agreed upon bipartisan plan to fund the government until February.

But when far-right political pundits like Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter criticized Trump for not getting $5 billion to fund the beginning of his infamous wall along the Mexican border, it was more than Trump could take. And so, he reversed course demanding his ‘wall money.’

In a meeting ten days before the shutdown, Trump even told Democratic leaders Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Chuck Schumer that he would be “proud” to shut down the government.

“I am proud to shut down the government for border security, Chuck," Trump told the Democrats in a televised meeting in the Oval Office. “Because the people of this country don’t want criminals and people who have lots of problems — and drugs — pouring into our country. I will take the mantle. I will be the one to shut it down. I’m not going to blame you for it.”

Sims, the hunky gay Democratic state lawmaker in Pennsylvania, called out Blackburn on Twitter for her "outright lie."

"Marsha, all spin aside, this post is just an outright lie," Sims clarified on Twitter. "It’s no a play on what really happened. It’s a complete fabrication. This is the kind of bold-faced lie that makes people hate politics and politicians. From one elected official to another: Stop Lying. It’s gross."

Marsha, all spin aside, this post is just an outright lie. It’s no a play on what really happened. It’s a complete fabrication. This is the kind of bold-faced lie that makes people hate politics and politicians. From one elected official to another: Stop Lying. It’s gross.

— Brian Sims (@BrianSimsPA) December 23, 2018

Blackburn, who has been a Trump toadie for a long time, was merely repeating what her idol has been tweeting since the funding debacle bubbled up last week.

According to The New York Times, the Trump shutdown will likely last into the new year when a new Congress is sworn in and the Democrats take control of the House.

The shutdown has shuttered the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, Interior, Agriculture, Housing and more. Some 400,000 federal workers are expected to be furloughed as we head into Christmas.

My man Brian has never shied away from calling out GOP politicians for lying.

When anti-LGBTQ Vice President Mike Pence was heading into Philadelphia (Sims’ district) for a visit this past June, Sims ‘welcomed’ the veep with a controversial image giving Pence the finger.



“To be clear, we’re a City of soaring diversity. We believe in the power of all people to live and to contribute: Black, Brown, Queer, Trans, Atheist, Immigrant, we want you and we’ll respect you,” Sims wrote on Facebook. “So keep that in mind while you’re here raising money to attack more families, spread more lies, blaspheme with your bible, and maybe even talk to a woman without your wife in the room.”

I've been a fan of the woofy Sims for years. Let’s take a stroll through his Instagram, shall we?

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MAY I PLEASE HAVE YOUR VOTE? In the last six years that I’ve had the honor of representing Center City in the House of Representatives, I’ve never once forgotten that this service is a gift given to me by the voters of the 182nd District! Tomorrow is going to be the most important election in a generation. Women’s rights, reproductive rights, racial & ethnic justice, immigration rights, LGBTQ rights and the hopes and dreams of a nation depend on how we step up and show up. As you’re making your plans tonight to vote, reading about the candidates, talking to friends & family, I ask and hope that you’ll consider casting your vote to re-elect me and I promise that I will continue to fight every day for the values we share and the successes this nation deserves! #VOTE #RainbowWave

A post shared by Brian Sims (@briansimspa) on Nov 5, 2018 at 4:05pm PST

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https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/0-1-percent-gayborhood-lawmaker-brian-sims-perfects-political-counterpunch-n916611

A post shared by Brian Sims (@briansimspa) on Oct 4, 2018 at 11:22am PDT

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A post shared by Brian Sims (@briansimspa) on Aug 25, 2018 at 2:36pm PDT

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Just want to send a big Thank You to #outmagazine for making me one of the OUT 100s .... You Guys Rock !

A post shared by Brian Sims (@briansimspa) on Nov 7, 2013 at 5:33pm PST

Pennsylvania: Out State Rep. Brian Sims Takes No Crap From Homophobic Colleague Daryl Metcalfe

Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims

PA State Representative Daryl Metcalfe got his undies bunched up in Facebook tantrum recently, where he called out and proud PA state Rep. Brian Sims a "lying homosexual" over a redistricting dispute. 

Along the way, Metcalfe through in a few homophobic jabs including his belief that being gay is "immoral behavior."

Another lying Philadelphia Liberal Democrat Legislator attacking me this week with the help of the media! Another Democrat playing the victim while he is actually the perpetrator! After a committee meeting last... https://t.co/WE3a93aJVb

— Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (@RepMetcalfe) April 20, 2018

The woofy Brian, however, wasn't going to stand idly by as the homophobe ranted on his virtual anti-LGBT soapbox.

Referencing the movie Mean Girls, Sims called out Metcalfe for pulling out his "burn book."

Brian made it clear: if you come at him, come right or don't come at all.

My most infamously bigoted colleague, Rep. Daryl Metcalfe took to his “burn book” to attack my colleagues of color and myself call me a “lying homosexual.” I could use your help as I go up against this type of blatant homophobia and bigotry in the Capital. https://t.co/Oc7iLDN2qt pic.twitter.com/FVC4dBgbuY

— Brian Sims (@BrianSimsPA) April 20, 2018

For the record, he’s a racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, bigot. All of those words have definitions. His behavior, his public statements, and his legislation over the years all clearly rise to the level of those definitions.

— Brian Sims (@BrianSimsPA) April 21, 2018

You’re a gaslighter who threatens people and then backs down and claims victimhood when you’re called out. It’s the ultimate sign of intellectual dishonesty. Grow up and at least have the courage of your broken convictions.

— Brian Sims (@BrianSimsPA) April 20, 2018

He also made sure the world met Metcalfe's openly LGBTQ challenger, Dan Smith:

HAVE YOU MET DAN SMITH?!? With all the talk (again) about @RepMetcalfe’s bigotry and the power he wields in the State Capitol, I couldn’t me more excited to introduce you to his openly LGBTQ Democratic Challenger!#Smith4Pa #DumpDaryl pic.twitter.com/OTmKIzfMxP

— Brian Sims (@BrianSimsPA) April 23, 2018

Brian saved the best for last as he tweeted this hilarious meme when they see each other at The Capitol:

When I see Daryl Metcalfe in the Capitol next! #LegiBey pic.twitter.com/efe0lv9Weo

— Brian Sims (@BrianSimsPA) April 21, 2018

PA State Rep. Brian Sims Makes My Day

Brian Sims

Woofy Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims makes my day with this tweet.

Not sure what the event was, but Brian writes, "When photos come back from that Saturday night Gala and your harness barely shows... #PolitiGay"

Sims attached the pics above and below.

Between the hair, the fur (on his shoulders and his face) and the makeup plus the barely discernible harness, this all makes me smile.

Looks like a fun party to me :)

#Fabulous

When photos come back from that Saturday night Gala and your harness barely shows... #PolitiGay pic.twitter.com/20VD0haxqu

— Brian Sims (@BrianSimsPA) March 20, 2018

Brian Sims Slaps Back At Homophobic Bigot By Calling Their Grandmother

Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims

Now this is how you shut down a bigot.

Earlier this week, some ignorant hater posted “N*gger f*ggot” on the Facebook page of openly gay Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims.

Sure - some folks might have just ignored the message, but Sims decided to pull all the hate out in the open by contacting his grandmother.

“David, I can’t tell if you’re just a really dumb little boy or an angry bigot but I know for sure that you shouldn’t have posted your grandmother’s telephone number on your Facebook page,” the woofy Sims wrote.

“She and I just had a very disappointing chat about you. We’ll talk soon…”

Sims later added:

"Dear Bigots, posting your grandmother's telephone number all over the same page you use to post slurs on other people's pages is not going to end well for you. Brian"

#FTW!

(h/t NewNowNext)

News Round-Up: January 23, 2017

Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims

Some news items you may have missed:

• Woofy out Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims has re-introduced legislation that would ban so-called ex-gay/conversion therapy. Could we love this guy any more?

• White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer says he doesn't know if President Trump plans to retain or repeal the previous administration's executive order that bans anti-LGBT discrimination among federal contractors in place.

• US intelligence teams are investigating calls between Mike Flynn, President Donald Trump's national security adviser, and Russia's ambassador to the US in regarding Russian activities in the US. Ruh-roh.

• A Texas state lawmaker has filed legislation that would completely remove access to abortion in his state saying it would “force” women to be “more personally responsible” with sex. Seriously?

• Donald Trump is the first president to begin his administration with less than 50% approval rating in Gallup Poll.

• Happy 84th birthday, 2-time Tony Award winner Chita Rivera! I've found the gayest & grooviest dance clip I could to celebrate. Watch below:

Mid-Day Brain Break: Rep. Brian Sims Car Karaoke "The Little Mermaid"

Former college football player, out Pennsylvania state legislator and all-around woofy Brian Sims shares via his Facebook a little car karaoke from The Little Mermaid.

Nice way to break up the day. The view is nice, isn't it?

Admit it - you watched the whole thing. And you sang along, too :)

Pennsylvania State Rep. Brian Sims Calls

Pennsylvania State Rep. Brian Sims gives an impassioned speech calling for statewide LGBT protections.

From Pennsylvania House Democrats:

Pa. state Rep. Brian Sims stands with Gov. Tom Wolf and other advocates to call on the legislature to pass equal protections for LGBT citizens.

In Pennsylvania, members of the LGBT community can still be denied employment, housing, and other basic rights afforded to others in the general population.

Sims is co-sponsoring the Pennsylvania Fairness Act, H.B. 1510, which would update Pennsylvania’s nondiscrimination law to ensure all residents have equal rights regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, disability and now, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.

Pennsylvania: Out Legislator Brian Sims Wins Reelection

LGBT activist state Rep. Brian Sims easily won reelection last night which will send him back to the state General Assembly as the only openly gay legislator in the state.

The woofilicious Sims thanks his supporters immediately via email:

Because of your hard work volunteering and knocking on doors, along with your steadfast generosity, I can announce our campaign was victorious tonight!

This campaign was hard fought, and I am so humbled by your overwhelming support. I am looking forward to continuing the fight in Harrisburg for our shared progressive values and continuing to earn the privilege of serving all of you.

There is so much work to be done to fund our education system, protect women's health care and ensure equality for all Pennsylvanians. I am more motivated than ever to continue the fight.

My most sincere and humble thanks,
Brian

Pennsylvania State Rep. Brian Sims Drops Bid For Congress

Pennsylvania's first openly gay State Representative has announced he will drop his bid for Congress.

From Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims (via Facebook):

I wanted to personally let you know that today I have decided to end my campaign for U.S. Congress.

When I started this campaign it was because I felt Philadelphians deserved an advocate in Congress – someone who would focus on equality for all Americans, creating more and better jobs, and ending the culture of gun violence in our streets.

Having walked the streets of the District, and spoken to thousands of neighbors and constituents, I now feel that my friend and colleague, Dwight Evans, is best equipped to take our fight for justice to Washington, DC and will serve Philadelphia well in Congress.

This was not an easy decision, but please know that I am so grateful for your help and support over these past few months.

For now, I have a re-election campaign to win and I hope that you will continue to support my efforts, especially as I work to expand civil rights and fight for justice and equality as a State Representative.

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.

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

Brian Sims Nails It After All The Empty Threats From Haters

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

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

Pennsylvania State Rep. Brian Sims Breaks The Internet

Everyone's favorite Pennsylvania lawmaker, Rep. Brian Sims, posted this pic for #ThrowBackThursday.

Needless to say, the photo has gone viral - for many reasons... :)

Philadelphia: Despite Rain Over 300 Rally Against Hate Crimes

Over 300 people ignored rain to rally against #LGBT hate crimes - Thank you! A summary: http://t.co/FfXzDDb3pN pic.twitter.com/aXMzs9ap9E
— Rep. Brian Sims (@RepSims) September 25, 2014

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.!"

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

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.

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.

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.