Shawn Fenn, candidate for City Council, Ward 2

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 think it's impossible for me to separate some of the threats to the LGBTQIA+ locally from the threats faced nationally. As a nation, it used to be unthinkable we could even imagine a Supreme Court stripping away constitutional rights by reversing its own decisions. The Dobbs decision overturning Roe v Wade makes me fear the current politically motivated court could overturn the Obergefell v Hodges decision which made it clear that marriage equality was a constitutional right for everyone in the United States.

Locally, I have children in Newburyport public schools that play sports, and they have friends from many groups. I always worry about teens who fear being public about their identity and struggle with the very personal decision of "coming out" or staying private. Bullying or harassment, especially in schools, is a concern for me - and although Newburyport is overall a progressive and inclusive community - middle school and high school is hard for everyone and even more so for kids who are "different" than the perceived norm.

As a councilor I will be vocal and public about my support for the LGBTQIA+ community. I will be a visible ally, be an example to colleagues, teach respect as a parent and listen to leaders of the LGBTQIA+ community in Newburyport on how to best support the issues and causes of the community.

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

I wholeheartedly support the annual celebration of Newburyport Pride. I lived for many years on Capitol Hill in Seattle which is the heart of LGBTQIA+ community in Washington state. Pride Festival was by far the funnest time of the year for everyone in the community, of all orientations, genders and identities. In Newburyport, I see the same spirit of bringing everyone in the community together to celebrate our neighbors, highlight all of the stripes and colors that make up a beautiful rainbow, and empower people to stand up and be seen, be authentic, for all of who they are as a person.

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

This is an empowering message to me. Unfortunately, we are in a time of regression as a nation. We are going backwards on rights, diversity, and inclusion. Some want to make discrimination and hate legal under the guise of "religious freedom." and a make-believe meritocracy when it comes to giving people a seat at the table. Existence is Resistance means to me that even though some want to strip away rights from whole swaths of people and even deny their right to exist, the Pride community will not hide, will not conform, will not accept any less than the full human and constitutional rights to which they are entitled.

What are your hopes for Newburyport Pride 2026?

For 2026, I would love to see Newburyport Pride continue to grow and expand, building on the momentum of the last 3 years. I hope to see the whole community of Newburyport - allies, families, youth, adults and seniors supporting and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and sending a message that we are not going backwards like many other parts of the country, we are continuing to go forward and set an example of how to be an inclusive and proud community.

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

My favorite Pride event to date has been the Annual Pride parade and seeing how it has grown over the years, but I have to say hearing Ben Harman speak at the flag raising event was moving. Ben is an outstanding, eloquent and invigorating public speaker.

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

I just hope that the Newburyport Pride audience understands how authentic and deeply personal my support for the LGBTQIA+ community is. I have been impacted personally by the negative effects, discrimination, and fears faced by teens and young adults agonizing with the decision of coming out - or even being publicly outed without their consent. As someone who has championed at-risk youth, inclusivity, opportunity for all and building community with my words and actions, I will always be an ally.