If he wins the British Columbia NDP leadership contest, Nicholas Simons will be “the first openly gay man to lead a major political party” in the province, according to the website for a gay and lesbian newspaper.

But Simons is not the only gay man seeking to lead the NDP.

A flyer supporting Port Coquitlam MLA Mike Farnworth's bid to lead the party, obtained by the website Public Eye, notes that “he lives with his partner Doug of 22 years.”

The Xtra! article quotes Simons saying that while sexuality should be no more of a factor in his political life than being a cello player should be, “it is important for people to be open about who they are.”

Farnworth is scheduled to “announce his intentions regarding the leadership of the BC New Democrats” Jan. 13 at noon in Port Coquitlam.

An official with Farnworth's campaign said the brochure is accurate and that Farnworth will be available to talk about anything people want to raise once he's made his announcement.

Other candidates so far to lead the NDP include Juan de Fuca MLA John Horgan, Fraser-Nicola MLA Harry Lali and cannabis activist Dana Larsen. The vote is scheduled for April 17.

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.