Brian Callahan, candidate for City Council, Ward 3

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community in Newburyport and in what ways do you see yourself supporting us in elected office?

Continued discrimination both on a local and national level. The chance that the Supreme Court could decide to overturn Oberfell is concerning. Why anyone thinks that they, and especially the government, should have say in who you marry is just weird. Comments that gay marriage somehow takes rights away from, or lessens the seriousness and commitment of a marriage between a man and a woman is crazy.

As a member of the School Committee for eight years I've seen groups like the Citizens for Responsible Education, who, thankfully, had candidates that suffered massive losses in the last School Committee election, make many claims about the schools, stating ridiculous things like that we are "teaching kids to be gay" simply because there's a gay character in a book in the library. We have Harry Potter books in the library too, and we're not teaching kids to be wizards.

Do you support the annual celebration of Newburyport Pride? What does it mean to you?

I do. It's great to be able to see people come out in support of the queer community, and listening to stories from people like Councilor Harmon and Governor Healey, who not long ago wouldn't have even been able to run for any office, is inspiring.

What is your opinion of last year’s theme “Existence is Resistance”?

I always love a bit of civil discourse, and that phrase was great. It reminded me a bit of the Silence=Death Project's graffiti I'd see on the sidewalks in Cambridge in the late 80s/early 90s. (and also something that a character in Star Wars would say, and that's always a good thing!)

What are your hopes for Newburyport Pride 2026?

That we still have a mayor who fully supports Pride, and doesn't make it difficult to do simple things like closing Pleasant Street to traffic for the flag raising.

What Newburyport Pride events have you attended? Tell us about your favorite Newburyport Pride event!

I've been the flag raising most years. The speeches have always been great. I'm not a parade guy in general, so I don't march, though I have gone to the staging area to show my support, and cheer loudly from the sidewalk as I enjoy a beer outside Paddle Inn as the parade goes up State Street.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the Newburyport Pride audience?

You all have my full support, always.