The mayor of Smiths Station, Alabama, F.L. ‘Bubba’ Copeland, tragically died by suicide, after details about his transgender identity were shared online, reports Radar Online.
Copeland was also a Baptist pastor and was well-respected in the community. However, last week, a conservative news site, 1819 News, exposed Copeland’s secret life, sharing photos of him dressed in women’s clothing and makeup, along with explicit erotic fiction.
Before outing Copeland, a reporter from 1819 News, Craig Monger, received a comment from him which stated,
“What I do in private life has nothing to do with what I do in my holy life… Does this have any effect on me being mayor, that I sometimes put on a dress or sometimes put on makeup? Does that have anything to do whatsoever with me being mayor or being a pastor?”
The news was released on his 62nd birthday. The website described his alter ego as a
“transgender curvy girl”
and made allegations about his online activities involving minors. These revelations sparked both outrage and support within the community, with some questioning the invasion of Copeland’s privacy.
Copeland had never publicly expressed anti-LGBTQ views, despite his affiliation with the Baptist faith, according to the outlet. The Alabama Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, to which his church belongs, stated that the issue was a personal matter between Copeland and his church. The Baptist community’s stance on LGBTQ matters varies, with some advocating for conservative views.
Before his death, Copeland addressed his congregation, apologizing for any embarrassment his actions may have caused. He assured them that his alter ego didn’t impact his religious life and that his wife was aware of his activities. Authorities discovered Copeland’s body on Friday during a welfare check and it was determined that he took his own life with a handgun.
The First Baptist Church of Phenix City has been mourning his loss, symbolized by changing their Facebook profile picture to a black ribbon. His passing has left the community grieving. Church member Dan Elkins told the Daily Mail,
“By no means am I disregarding/discounting accountability – but it must be dispensed with love and care, not scorn and judgment.”
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
