Politics

Out lawmaker called a “little girl” by Republican as he gave a speech on the House floor

Out Pennsylvania state legislator Brian Sims speaks on the House floor
Out Pennsylvania state legislator Brian Sims speaks on the House floor Photo: Screenshot

Out Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Sims (D) made national news this week for posting a profanity-laden video on Facebook after he found out one of his Republican colleagues had tested positive for COVID-19 and several other Republicans who had had contact with him continued to attend meetings without wearing face masks.

Republican leadership knew that their member had tested positive but didn’t tell Democrats that they were being exposed to the novel coronavirus, putting lawmakers, their staff, and their families at risk.

Related: Unhinged Trump-supporter wants Brian Sims to ‘prove’ he’s gay

Sims’ Facebook Live video was broadcast from his office and the visibly angry politician held nothing back. Riddled with curse words and blunt language, Sims ripped into Republicans and demanded resignations and investigations.

But when Sims took to the state house floor to address the issue, he says Rep. Jerry Knowles (R) called him “a little girl” during his speech, yelling it across the chamber. Sims spoke with a rainbow facemask lowered so he could speak.

Now women’s groups, parents, and fellow legislators are rallying around Sims to encourage more women to get into politics.

“They’re losing,” Sims wrote later. “I know it doesn’t feel like that after days like this. But their behavior wreaks [sic] of fear and failure.”

Knowles’ Democratic opponent in the upcoming election responded to Sims’ tweets, pointing out that his campaign is fueled by an “amazing team of talented women.”

Don't forget to share:

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

The Trump administration wants to cut education funding to transgender-inclusive states

Previous article

Cops fatally shot a Black transgender man without warning & keep calling him a woman

Next article