Pennsylvania Sen. Jim Ferlo: 'I'm gay. Get over it. I love it'

PITTSBURGH — State Sen. Jim Ferlo figured it was time to say something.

Ferlo, D-Highland Park, disclosed that he is gay during a news conference Tuesday about legislation that would expand the state's hate crime law to include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

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“I'm gay. Get over it. I love it. It's a great life,” Ferlo said during the news conference.

Ferlo, 63, is the first openly gay member of the Senate.

In the state House, Rep. Mike Fleck, R-Huntingdon, disclosed in 2012 he is gay. He lost the May primary. Rep. Brian Sims, D-Philadelphia, has said he is gay.

The statement wasn't planned, Ferlo said later in an interview.

“It was totally impromptu. I've never denied it. I've never felt the need to talk about it,” he said.

Ferlo said he was heterosexual through his teens and early 20s.

“Somewhere along the line ... I decided I preferred to be homosexual and preferred to be with men.”

“I've encouraged folks to be open if they can,” Ferlo said.

Ferlo is leaving office Nov. 30.

Once he leaves the Senate, Ferlo, who was elected in 2002, plans to focus on his health and fitness, and on rebuilding neighborhoods and enhancing economic development in Pittsburgh. “I'll be the volunteer supreme,” he said.

Kevin Acklin, chief of staff for Mayor Bill Peduto, serves on the city's Urban Redevelopment Authority board with Ferlo.

“We don't always see eye to eye, but the senator is a good man and a faithful public servant. Obviously, his announcement doesn't change the way I think about him one bit,” Acklin said. “Being gay is no longer a barrier to public service. I think it's a testament to the progress we're making as a culture.”

Staff writer Tom Fontaine contributed to this report. Brad Bumsted is Trib Total Media's state Capitol reporter. Reach him at 717-787-1405 and bbumsted@tribweb.com.