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January 27, 2025 54 mins
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. Sponsored By: Scandinavian Biolabs  Go to Scandinavianbiolabs.com and start today with 20% off the Hair Activation Routine and any other products from Scandinavian Biolabs using code MAXEMERSON.  Kindred Go to livekindred.com/ and:Use code MAX.ISMS to skip the waitlist.  Max’s Patreon  Join today and make the internet more colorful 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  X  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
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