Brian Sims Marries Alex Drakos Before Politics Could Get In The Way And It’s The Love Story We Needed
Brian Sims, a name that’s become a cornerstone for LGBTQIA+ advocacy in the US, just showed us what love and resilience look like. The former Pennsylvania state legislator and his partner, Alex Drakos, tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Boston, Massachusetts, just before Christmas. But this wasn’t your average winter wedding, it was a race against time, love wrapped in politics, and an unforgettable day with their family.
“We Wanted to Protect What We’ve Fought So Hard For”
For Sims, now CEO of Agenda PAC, the Massachusetts State House wasn’t just a beautiful backdrop. It was a symbol of progress. This historic site became forever tied to marriage equality as the first state to recognise same-sex marriage in 2004.
With a snowstorm blanketing the city and temperatures hovering around 10 degrees, the couple, joined by their parents, braved the elements for a ceremony filled with love, history, and a touch of urgency. Julian Cyr, a Massachusetts state senator and longtime advocate, officiated the ceremony with heartfelt remarks. The couple moved from the icy balcony to a cosy room near the governor’s office, where a grand fireplace and Christmas tree created a magical setting.
Under the gaze of civil rights icons whose portraits adorned the walls, champagne flowed freely. Drakos jokingly admitted to Out Magazine, “It was the most champagne I’ve had in a single day, maybe ever.”
Sims and Drakos’ journey began in Provincetown. They met in 2021 at Bear Week’s iconic Tea Dance, sparking a connection that led to a romantic beach proposal two years later. Their original plan was to host a bigger celebration in the summer of 2025.
But as the 2024 US election loomed, and Donald Trump’s return to power became a possibility, they realised they couldn’t take their right to marry for granted. “Would we be worried that our marriage would no longer be possible on the timeline we thought it would be?” Drakos shared.
This question, echoed by Sims’ parents, became the driving force behind their decision to marry sooner than planned.
“These are very treacherous times we’re going into. Having the protections of the law is an assurance everyone deserves,” explained Sims.
Sims added, “While we still have the fruits of what so many advocates fought years for, we should avail ourselves of them while continuing to fight to defend and expand them.”
More Than Just Politics
Yes, they rushed because of political concerns. But something unexpected happened. That intimate moment with their parents turned out to be more special than they’d imagined.
He also had a message for couples hesitating to take the plunge. “If you’re considering that, you should too,” he said with conviction. It was a reminder that love, when framed by commitment and rights, is something worth fighting for at every turn.
