When Bubba Copeland unseats current Smiths Station mayor LaFaye Dellinger in 2016, he came to the town with plans to develop this Lee County community sandwiched between Opelika and Phenix City.
“My goal is to support local companies, learn about their requirements, and attract new ventures to our community,” Copeland stated in a Columbus, Georgia, Ledger-Enquirer interview. “Smiths Station could prosper if the right vision was adopted.”
After seven years, Smiths Station has grown while maintaining its small-town charm, fulfilling Bubba Copeland’s dream. Copeland proudly referred to the town as “Mayberry 2023,” a location where people are still close and everyone knows each other’s names.
Nevertheless, Copeland experienced difficulties while serving, one of which was leading Smiths Station through the aftermath of an EF-4 tornado and severe storm that slammed nearby Beauregard, cruelly killing 23 people. Even more, this summit brought then-President Donald Trump, who gave a tour of the storm-ravaged region, to the table.
Bubba Copeland is the mayor of Salem, as well as the main p astor of a nearby church in Phenix City and the owner of a convenience shop close to Lake Harding.
But at this time, Copeland’s secret online existence began to take shape. He revealed his transgender identity on Reddit and social media by taking on the persona of Brittini Blaire Summerlin.
Copeland’s online persona featured her in a variety of, occasionally graphic, attire, such as boudoir shots that displayed women’s underwear. Copeland promoted interactions by being active on Reddit and running a private Instagram account.
In an interview with 1819 News, Copeland acknowledged his participation in these virtual pursuits, referring to them as a “hobby” and “fantasy” for stress release. The explicit content he shared, he claimed, was entirely made up.
In order to safeguard his family and pastoral role, Copeland erased the accounts as soon as possible after the interview and asked that they be kept confidential.
He first denied knowing about these reports, but as soon as proof was provided, he admitted his role. According to Copeland, his spouse was aware of his internet activities, but the general public was not.
Copeland stated that he does not identify as a woman and has not explored medical transition, but that cross-dressing has been a longtime interest for him as a stress reliever. He provided his Instagram handle as a means of communication and “friend-making.”
Copeland said, “I’ve only shared this with my wife.” “It’s a pastime I enjoy on my own time, apart from my obligations and public life.”
Copeland concluded by stating unequivocally that his private life had no influence on his public personas. He stated that he wanted to carry on as mayor and pursue other activities.
