In this episode, I chat with Brian Sims, a pioneering LGBTQ+ advocate and former Pennsylvania state legislator, who continues the fight for equality as the CEO of Agenda PAC. Brian shares his experiences as the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, and as the only NCAA football captain to come out publicly while still active.

We discuss his journey through politics, the importance of staying true to your values, and navigating challenges like discrimination and anti-queer legislation. Brian also reflects on the significance of intersectionality, the need for genuine allyship, and his advice for those wanting to get into politics.

Highlights:

• Breaking barriers as an LGBTQ+ leader in politics and sports


• The challenges of being openly queer in traditionally conservative spaces


• Intersectionality and its role in advocacy


• How to engage with anti-equality politicians


• Staying grounded while leading a movement


• Advice for aspiring political activists

Listen now for a powerful conversation on leadership, equality, and making change in the world.

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Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction 


• 00:02:46 - Who The Hell Are You? 


• 00:09:15 - Closeted legislatures 


• 00:11:14 - Choosing to stay closeted 


• 00:12:13 - Discrimination and representation 


• 00:15:25 - Challenges of getting elected 


• 00:20:57 - Staying calm when debating 


• 00:22:06 - Brain’s campaign 


• 00:23:53 - Sticking to the issues, not being defined by your queerness/identity 


• 00:25:30 - Intersectionality 


• 00:28:08 - Allyship & avoiding white savior complex


• 00:29:47 - Handling antiqueer legislators 


• 00:36:11 -  Staying grounded - reword 


• 00:38:30 - Leaving office 


• 00:40:58 - Marriage equalities 


• 00:43:46 - Post election advice 


• 00:47:02 - Advice for getting into politics 


• 00:48:44 - Fight Me!!! 

Show Links: 

• Chris Colfer Episode coming soon! 

Check Out Brian Sims:

• Instagram 


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Check Out Max:

• Instagram


• YouTube


• TikTok

Special thank you to the following: 

Nate Heffel, Tobin Schiller ,James M, Christopher Neefus, Heskel, Michael Carpentiere, Timothy Cardoso, Shane Ouyang, Brian Joaquin, Carabalda, Brendan Saunders, Jeff Jay, James LEE, Andy, 正 , George Acosta, Michael Rice, Nathan Filip, Linda Johnson, Stephen Weathers, Kean Phan, James Powell, Landy Manderson