Mary DeLai, candidate for City Council, Ward 6

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?

As a member of Newburyport's LGBTQ+ community I feel grateful that I feel safe and welcome here in our city. That said, while Newburyport is often seen as a welcoming and progressive community, we know that some LGBTQ+ residents—especially youth, trans and nonbinary individuals, and older adults—still experience isolation, subtle bias, and a lack of visibility in public spaces. Creating a community where everyone feels truly seen, safe, and supported takes intentional, ongoing effort.

At the local level, one challenge is ensuring that our city’s institutions—from schools and city departments to boards and community organizations—are trained and equipped to serve LGBTQ+ residents respectfully. Access to inclusive health and mental health services, affirming housing options, and safe social spaces for youth - like those we will have at our new youth and recreation center, will be critical.

If elected, I would support the LGBTQ+ community by listening first—by meeting regularly with local groups, students, and residents to understand their experiences and needs. I would advocate for policies and training that make city services, hiring practices, and public spaces affirming for all identities. I would also continue to support the great work that our schools, libraries, and community groups do to recognize and celebrate diversity here in Newburyport.

Representation matters deeply. Even in a small city like ours, having leaders who represent the full diversity of our city sends a powerful message that every resident is valued and respected. I would use my lived experience and my role to make sure that Newburyport continues to grow as a city where equity, dignity, and kindness are at the heart of our public life.

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

Absolutely! For me, it's a celebration of the progress we have made over our lifetimes, and a recognition of the hard work and struggles it took to achieve that progress. It's a way for our community to connect more closely with one another, for our allies to show up and surround us with empathy and love. It reminds me that we are not alone and to be proud of who we are and all that we have accomplished together.

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

I love this theme because it feels like a powerful rallying cry to so many who may have felt hopeless and thought about giving up. This theme gives them a way to fight back - just by sticking around. It reminds us that simply continuing to show up as you are is enough - just this is an act of courage. It also honors the strength it takes to be yourself in a world that hasn’t always made that easy.

At the same time, it makes us think about our shared responsibility as a community. People shouldn’t have to resist just to exist. Our goal here in Newburyport should be to create a city where everyone feels safe, accepted, and supported — where being who you are is celebrated, not questioned.

What are your hopes for Newburyport Pride 2026?

I hope the event continues to grow and attract more members of our community as well as our allies, friends, and neighbors. I hope the Pride Parade is even longer and more diverse. I hope that we also continue some of the great events offered to our community during the week. I'd love to see more events for some of our older LGBTQ community members. I also like the idea of having a community book read perhaps in the weeks leading up to Pride week, and perhaps more opportunities for the whole community to come together and discuss how we can create a more inclusive and welcoming community.

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

The Pride Flag Raising has always been one of my favorite events. This past year, I was so honored to be asked to deliver the call to action at the Pride Flag Raising Event. If you missed it, you can view it here: https://youtu.be/35M9R.WeLGo8?si=ohEHylNky6Tpiacx. I've also attended the Transgender Flag Raising, Pride Parade and Festival, and Pride Kickoff Party. The Pride Parade and Festival have always been a blast!

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

I’m incredibly honored to have been endorsed by the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund in my campaign for Newburyport Ward 6 Councillor. The Victory Fund has been a powerful force in elevating LGBTQ+ leaders across the country, and I’m proud to stand with them as I work to bring inclusive, thoughtful leadership to our city council.