Afroz Khan, candidate for City Council At-Large (incumbent)

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 have lived in four other states and seven different cities before calling Newburyport home. If anything, we are one of the better communities for LGBTQIA+ residents in our state and across the country. I remember when the first Pride crosswalk was painted in front of City Hall in 2020. It was with wonder and joy that I walked across it on my way to a city council meeting. It was a true visible symbol showing everyone who comes to City Hall that we welcome and support our LGBTQIA+ community.

That said, the challenges we face today are often centered around our youth. It is essential that young people see themselves reflected and validated in their schools and in the stories they read. Access to books and materials that promote understanding, inclusion, and representation helps create a foundation of acceptance from an early age. We have made great progress in our schools, and that is something we should never take for granted.

If re-elected as a councillor, I will continue to support policies and programs that protect that progress by ensuring our schools, libraries, and community spaces remain welcoming, inclusive, and safe for everyone, especially our LGBTQIA+ youth.

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

Yes, I wholeheartedly support the annual celebration of Newburyport Pride. It’s an important reminder that we are a city that stands with and celebrates our LGBTQIA+ community but not just in words, but in action and visibility.

As someone who was a teenager in the '80's and a young adult in the '90's, I remember a time when many of my friends and colleagues didn’t feel safe coming out. The fear of being alienated, losing their jobs, or even facing violence was very real. Those memories make today’s open and joyful celebrations even more meaningful.

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

It’s a great theme, especially at a time when resistance is really about taking action and not being complacent. At the core, it comes down to the fact that we all have a role to play — whether it’s supporting a friend, making our schools and workplaces safe, or speaking up when someone isn’t treated fairly.

Inclusion isn’t automatic. It’s something we have to keep working on and protecting for everyone. Even in a place like Newburyport, which is far more accepting than many other cities, we shouldn’t take what we have for granted. We have to keep striving, pushing, and driving initiatives that make our community stronger and more inclusive every day.

What are your hopes for Newburyport Pride 2026?

I think the annual aspect of Newburyport Pride is wonderful. For me as a councillor, it would be great to hear from organizers on how we can make it better for those organizing and working with the city in logistics. Is there more that we can do as well in how we do our business in council chambers? Maybe a pride pin that we can wear on our lapel? Open to ideas from all of you.

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

I had the pleasure of attending the very first Pride parade after it was approved in our city. It was such a fantastic event, full of energy, joy, and a real sense of community. That parade felt like a milestone for Newburyport, showing that our city embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity in a visible and meaningful way. It quickly became a favorite of mine, especially because of what had happened the year before.

A prom had been scheduled at the Masonic Hall on Green Street, organized by the North Shore Alliance for LGBTQ+ Youth (NAGLY) in coordination with Youth Services. That evening was meant to be a safe and celebratory space for LGBTQIA+ youth, but there were real threats from individuals who tried to stop it from happening. I received more than 80 emails and calls from people around the state asking me to intervene and cancel it simply because of the invited guest and who they were. I responded to every single one, letting them know that I would not do that. Instead, I joined many others from our community to show up and support the young people attending.

Witnessing the courage of those youth and the strength of the community that stood with them was unforgettable. It reminded me why events like these are so important: they give people a place to be themselves safely and proudly, even in the face of adversity.

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

As someone who is a person of color and a Muslim, I know what it means to be part of a minority in our society. I know what vulnerability feels like. I know what it is like to be teased, mocked, or made to feel less than for things that are completely out of your control. Those experiences stay with you and shape the way you see the world. While my experiences are not the same as what the LGBTQIA+ community faces, they have given me deep empathy and compassion.

In my early adult years, I worked in San Francisco and had the privilege of experiencing the annual Pride festivities in the Castro District, a neighborhood that has long embodied love, acceptance, and community for the LGBTQIA+ community. Though that event faced challenges over the years, its spirit of inclusion has endured. That same spirit is what I see reflected here in Newburyport during Pride, a celebration of who we are as a community and a reaffirmation of the values that make this city such a welcoming place for all.

Those experiences motivate me to make sure that in Newburyport, everyone feels safe, seen, and valued. My goal in public service is to help create spaces where people do not have to hide or apologize for being themselves, and to support policies and initiatives that protect and celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community.

Finally, I use my voice as an elected official to say what others may not be able to say or to meet with state leaders who might not otherwise take the time to listen. That is part of what representation means to me, and it is something I will continue to do if re-elected.