'Bubba' Copeland: Alabama mayor's suicide spotlights dangers of outing

A small-town Alabama mayor and pastor killed himself after a conservative news site reported he had a social media persona where he dressed in women’s clothing while wearing a wig and makeup. The disclosure bombarded F.L. “Bubba” Copeland with online ridicule. Experts say his death underscores the dangers of outing people in an era that has seen the erosion of LGBTQ+ rights as states across the country introduce legislation based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Copeland’s friends said they hope it prompts a wave of self-examination about how we treat others.