Apparently, in a radio interview after Copeland's death, Jeff Poor, editor-in-chief of 1819 News, gave the following message of condolence:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Smiths Station, the parishioners of First Baptist Church of Phenix City and the victims and family of Mayor Copeland."

Just a minute. Victims?!?

No one has alleged that Copeland had any "victims," not even 1819 News itself. So why in hell did he use that word?

If anyone's to blame for Copeland's suicide, it's 1819 News. And I may have made the same wrong assumptions as a lot of people did, but, if instead of killing himself, Copeland had pulled up stakes and moved to Denver (in one of the top five states in the nation for trans people), I'd have been willing to help him out, or "her" if he truly felt Brittini was who belonged.

(See also Vivienne's post on her blog, Bluestocking Blue: https://bluestockingblue.blogspot.com/2023/11/secrets-and-lies-in-alabama.html. Vivienne includes several photos of Brittini, who looks happy and actually pretty good!)