On November 1, 1819 News published an article detailing the behavior of Smiths Station Mayor and First Baptist Church of Phenix City Pastor Bubba Copeland.
He had been posting as a “transgender woman” online under the pseudonym “Brittini Blaire Summerlin”.
Two days later, police confirmed that Copeland had committed suicide in front of officers after photos of him dressed in drag were made public.
“In the social media posts, Copeland can be seen wearing several articles of his wife’s clothing, as shown by her social media,” the report explained. “Additionally, Copeland regularly commented on other posts, referring to himself as a ‘thick transgender woman’ and encouraging other transgender individuals to go on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Copeland also posted transgender pornography, often giving vivid captions describing being a ‘whore’ and getting ‘f****d.’”
Copeland had created accounts featuring photos of women in various states of undress, as well as writing transgender erotica.
When the outlet contacted him, Copeland acknowledged that the accounts were his own and requested that they not be made public due to his family’s and church’s reputation.
Although he claimed these activities were simply a way to cope with stress, it was noted that he was also providing advice about chemical transitions on social media.
“Just my wife knows about it,” Copeland said. “It’s a hobby I do to relieve stress. I have a lot of stress, and I’m not medically transitioning. It’s just a bit of a character I’m playing. … I don’t go out and seek solicitation or anything like that.”
Copeland added, “It’s something that I don’t intermingle with the other. It’s private. I don’t do it in the public or anything like that. … It’s just a fictional character I made up to relieve stress.”
“What I do in private life has nothing to do with what I do in my holy life,” Copeland continued. “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?”
On the day the report was released, Copeland informed The Alabama Baptist that he had been subjected to an internet assault.
“I’ve been an object of an internet attack in an article that was written [regarding] my capacity as a mayor and my capacity as a pastor,” he said. “The article is not who or what I am. Yes, I have taken pictures with my wife in the privacy of our home in an attempt at humor because I know I’m not a handsome man or a beautiful woman either.
“I apologize for any embarrassment caused by my private and personal life that has become public. This will not cause my life to change. This will not waiver my devotion to my family, serving my city, serving my church,” Copeland continued. “I’m thankful for the grace of God and willingness to forgive. I have nothing to be ashamed of. A lot of things that were said were taken out of context. I love my family. They are number one.”
On November 3, Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones confirmed the passing of Copeland.
Copeland’s church had issued a statement saying, “We have become aware of the alleged unbiblical behavior related to the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Phenix City. We are praying for the leaders of the church family as they seek to determine the truth concerning these accusations. As the people of God, we pray for the pastor and his family as well. We are in consultation with the Russell Baptist Association’s leadership as they endeavor to assist the First Baptist family during this critical time of need.”
Local station WTVM reports:
According to the sheriff’s office, around 4:15 p.m. CT, deputies received information regarding the mayor needing a possible welfare check. Deputies found Copeland in the Beulah community area, where a slow pursuit began.
Officials say the mayor turned onto Lee Road 275 north of Yarbroughs Crossroads and pulled over. When he exited his vehicle, he produced a handgun and used it to take his own life.
Copeland addressed the controversy during Wednesday night’s worship service.
ICYMI: Former Fox News Reporter Facing Jail For Refusing To Reveal Source
“On November 1, 1819 News published an article detailing the behavior of Smiths Station Mayor and First Baptist Church of Phenix City Pastor Bubba Copeland.”
Did know there was transgenderism in 1819!!
All of the sexual dysfunctions go far back into antiquity; that doesn’t justify or normalize them,; temptation to sin is just that, however it manifests; some will resist, others will succumb.
WOW! This was in 1819 as stated in the article (where are the proof readers?) & is just being reported now? I didn’t realize that computers existed back then.
Seriously, even though it most probably happened in 2019, why report this baloney in November, 2023? Who cares?
Come on, guy, this is a total waste of everyone’s time.
So I guess this did cause problems in his life. So much so that he committed suicide. If he waited just a short time he could have had his face and everything else on a beer can. A “ wo- man “ before his time.
Was he transgender or transvestite? If he is doing either, why would he be pastoring a church? And what’s with his wife? Is she nuts or what?
If this happened in 1819 why are you wasting space now?
To the last six “astute” commenters: It took me a little less than 2 minutes to sort the facts out. The first sentence said, “On November 1, 1819 News said ”
I can see how that opening sentence could lead to conclusions (could have been written more clearly). Rather than jumping with both feet, I was moved to dig just a tiny bit deeper to learn that 1819 News is the name of the reporting organ and not a current reference to any date except the year of the Statehood for Alabama.
This hasty inference on the part of the commenters, plus the ramshackle reporting of the news organization casts a black eye on the whole region.