Rani Eng, candidate for City Council At-Large

1. 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?

I believe one of our biggest challenges isn’t internal—it’s external. With the national and federal climate becoming increasingly divisive, we must ensure that Newburyport remains a place where inclusion isn’t just spoken about—it’s lived, seen, and protected.

My focus is on making sure we don’t roll back progress, but continue to lead by example. That includes representation in leadership, creating visible signals of belonging—like rainbow crosswalks or multiple inclusive displays around the city—and ensuring that our policies reflect the values we say we stand for.

Small gestures of visibility carry big meaning. They tell residents and visitors alike that this is a safe, welcoming, and compassionate community. To me, those are priceless budget items—worth every penny.

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

Absolutely, I support Newburyport Pride—it’s one of my favorite community celebrations. To me, the biggest part of Pride is that my son sees community, joy, and camaraderie at a city level.

No matter what messages children may hear on the news or at home, Pride gives them something tangible and positive to see—people coming together in love, acceptance, and celebration. It’s a living example of humanity and belonging, and that visual representation is powerful.

I also love how Pride brings out so much creativity—the art, the color, the expression—it’s an event that reminds us that diversity and joy go hand in hand.

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

For the national climate we’re in, the theme was perfect—it spoke to courage and visibility in a time where those are still acts of strength.

That said, from my perspective as an ally, I hope the next evolution of that message moves from resistance to recognition. Rather than focusing on the fight to exist, I’d love to see a theme that centers around normalization—that LGBTQIA+ identity is simply part of the human experience, as natural and essential as any other form of self-expression.

It doesn’t have to be a fight. The goal is to reach a place where we all just exist—together, without qualification.

4. What are your hopes for Newburyport Pride 2026?

For 2026, I’d love to see Newburyport Pride grow into something even bigger—something that brings the entire North Shore together. Let’s make it a destination event: a weekend festival that celebrates inclusion and joy while supporting our local businesses and artists.

Imagine joint marketing with the Farmers Market, outdoor concerts, art showcases, beer gardens, and collaborative programming across venues. Pride could be both a powerful expression of community and a boost for our local economy - maybe even some synergy with the upcoming Yankee Homecoming!

It’s an opportunity to celebrate, support, and elevate the LGBTQIA+ community while showcasing the creativity and warmth of Newburyport.

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

I’ve walked in the Pride festival community walk with my mom, son, and puppy —and what I love most is the energy. The sense of joy, love, color, glitter, and togetherness radiates through every part of downtown.

Through this campaign, I’ve met so many incredible people who give their time and energy to make events like this happen—whether through Pride, the PTO, NEF, civic service, or Yankee Homecoming. These everyday leaders and volunteers are what make Newburyport special.

My favorite Pride moment is seeing families and kids soaking it all in—because they’re growing up in a city where kindness and acceptance are the norm. That’s the world I want for my son, and for all our children.

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

It’s not just an event—it’s a reflection of who we are when we lead with empathy, creativity, and courage. Newburyport Pride shows that when we come together as a community, we can create something beautiful that transcends politics—it’s about people, visibility, and love. I’ll always support spaces that affirm identity, foster connection, and make our city stronger by ensuring everyone knows: you belong here.