“The day after that disastrous debate, we had a serious conversation about what we would do if Trump won again,” Drakos said. outside. “We were concerned that many of the LGBTQ+ rights we hold dear, including marriage equality, would be rolled back under the second Trump administration.”
The couple, who are politically active and deeply committed to the LGBTQ+ community, look forward to a secure future under Biden’s leadership, especially after his historic 2020 victory and nomination of Kamala Harris as vice president. was. But Trump’s eventual victory in the 2024 election prompted a reassessment of their plans.
“After Election Day, we realized we needed to act quickly if we wanted to get married before any possible changes in the law,” Drakos said. “We decided, ‘Why wait?’ Let’s do it now.”
The couple chose a small but meaningful ceremony in Massachusetts, and their wedding took place on December 21, 2024, just days before Christmas. The location of the Massachusetts State Capitol had special meaning. In 2004, Massachusetts became the first state in the United States to legalize same-sex marriage, years before the Supreme Court handed down its landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision in 2015. For Sims and Dracos, this was a symbolic and strategic choice. Potential damage to marriage equality.
“Massachusetts was a natural choice for us. It’s where marriage equality began in the United States, and we want to know that our marriage will be protected in case that protection is overturned. I wanted it,” says Sims, a former Pennsylvania congressman and current CEO of Agenda PAC. An organization that advocates for LGBTQ+ political representation.
Brian Sims and Alex Drakos married before Trump took office. Photo: Ryan Strantz
The ceremony, hosted by openly gay Massachusetts Sen. Julian Seale, was both intimate and powerful. Only their next of kin attended as witnesses. Even though Sims’ parents’ flight was delayed due to a snowstorm the day before, the couple said the event was very meaningful. “It was incredibly emotional to see our family there,” says Drakos, who works at Pfizer and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. “It was a small personal moment, but given everything that’s at stake right now, it felt monumental.”
The ceremony itself was held at the State Capitol with the Boston skyline in the background. After the vows, the couple and their families gathered in a cozy anteroom complete with fireplace and Christmas tree. It was a quiet and beautiful moment, and the couple celebrated afterwards with champagne and dinner in the city.
“It was one of the most special days of our lives,” Sims recalls. “What we didn’t expect was how meaningful it would feel to be surrounded by our parents in such a historic setting. It was so much more than we expected. It was.”
Although the couple married in a small, private ceremony, Sim and Draco plan to host a large celebration in Draco’s home state of Connecticut in September 2025. “Then we’ll have a big celebration with all our friends and family,” Sims promises. “This was just the beginning.”
This couple has a message for other LGBTQ+ couples who are worried about their future. Given the heightened political climate and concerns about the rollback of LGBTQ+ rights, they encourage others to consider getting married now.
“There are more legal protections for LGBTQ+ couples now than there will be in the future,” Sims warns. “We have hard-won rights that could be threatened. If you’re thinking of getting married, don’t wait. We’re fighting to protect them. In the meantime, take advantage of the protections we still have.”
Sim and Draco also emphasize the importance of planning for the future, especially for families with transgender children. “It’s not just about marriage. We encourage LGBTQ+ families to consider financial and legal protections (wills, insurance, and other issues) to ensure they are protected. ” advises Sims. “It’s time to look ahead and make sure your rights are protected.”
In addition to legal protection, Sim and Draco emphasize the need for continued activity. They are calling on allies to do more than simply express their congratulations on social media. “Our marriages are under attack, and so is our very identity,” Sims says. “Supporting us means more than words, it means action. We need people who don’t just celebrate our victories, but stand up and fight for our rights.”
Set against the backdrop of an intimate wedding, Sim and Draco reflect on the importance of love, advocacy, and resilience in times of uncertainty. Their message is clear as they look to bigger celebrations and the future. Now is the time for LGBTQ+ couples to act, protect their rights, and continue fighting for a more inclusive future.
Source: Gayety – gayety.co
