muses: Brian Sims

muses is dandy’s article series about people, places, and things (nouns!) that inspire queer artists to create.

The outspoken Pennsylvania state Representative from Philadelphia's district 182 can't seem to stay out of our news feed for very long, and we aren’t at all mad about it because we love to watch him legislate. Since he's quite the aggressive progressive (pro-mask, anti-hate, not afraid of the fuck word), and an out-and-proud government official, he gets an exceptional amount of negative attention from conservatives, a gasoline he seems to wallow in, just to stoke his flames. Pun absolutely intended.

The Defiant Mister Sims :: Benjamine Lester :: oil on canvas

His sexiness is undeniable. He is ruggedly handsome and hirsute, is the only person to have been an openly-gay team captain in NCAA history (that's college football for us sports-averse), and has been kicking ass and taking names in the PA state house of Reps since 2013. He's working super hard to make a difference, and he's looking super dreamy doing it.

It is no wonder, then, why queers of the artsy persuasion have taken it upon themselves to consecrate his image in their work, celebrating his valiant efforts and his unabashed queerness.

In researching this article we came across quite a few sketches that looked like doodles out of a middle school notebook, signifying an unrequited crush. Spastic Customs has created two different custom Funkopop figures of him, their most recent inspired by an old bare-midriff photo of him in a football practice uniform, that has made a few rounds on the internet and among his admirers. Brian Sims fever is only growing hotter, especially because of his recent announcement that he’ll be running for Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania in 2022.

We reached out to painters Benjamine Lester and RD Riccoboni to ask about what makes Brian Sims such a magnetic subject, and why he makes the perfect muse to kick off our article series…

Brian - Flower Bear :: RD Riccoboni

Benjamine Lester

“Traditionally, gay men in positions of leadership have made a concerted effort to portray themselves as non-confrontational, agreeable and sexless.  Brian doesn’t do that.  He expresses anger at the injustice placed upon minorities and women. He is a fighter and an advocate for those who can’t fight or advocate for themselves. He champions safe sex, and is open about his personal approach to staying safe in his own sex life.  I respect that immensely.

I think he’s a popular subject for queer artists because he’s a traditionally beautiful man, sharp featured and muscular.  Looks-ism in the gay community aside, he also expresses passion for a better future for everyone.  He conveys a sense of hope the queer community needs.

I actually met Brian after painting “The Defiant Mr. Sims,” where he is depicted in a suit, flipping-off the viewer. He reached out to me to do another portrait, a more traditional political composition, which now hangs in the Pennsylvania Capitol Building. He is an amazing guy, and very respectful of my vision and interpretation in regards to his portrait. It was such a great experience working with him.

Portrait of Brian Sims :: Benjamine Lester :: oil

RD Riccoboni

“Brian is extremely handsome, and more-so because of his heart and mind. I mean those eyes, and his smile, they melt you.

I really got to know Brian because he friended me on Facebook and messaged me that he was a fan of my Flower Bear paintings. We were chatting and I said to him, “I would love you be one of my Flower Bears too!”

I think Brian is popular in the arts community because he’s a courageous and brilliant role model, standing up for many, including the LGBTQ community. I relate to Brian because we both use our talents to educate. Brian educates the world that we are human and have civil rights just like everyone, and need to be included. His activism is eloquent, and being an “out” politician is world news. Brian’s reach goes way beyond district he represents.”

Brian on the Blue Bench in the Park :: RD Riccoboni

To read more about Brian Sims and his official policies, or to donate to his upcoming campaign, visit Sims4PA.com. To get more of his hunky, social justice loving mug in your every day life, follow him on Instagram @BrianSimsPA.

If you’d like to see more of Lester and Riccoboni’s work, follow the links below, or check dandy soon for their upcoming featured artist profiles.

Benjamine Lester
website :: lester-art.com
instagram :: @BenjamineLesterArt

RD Riccoboni
website :: rdriccoboni.com
instagram :: @RDRiccoboni