Lisa Medina Smith, candidate for City Council, Ward 5

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?

For LGBTQIA+ residents, especially young people who are still learning who they are, having visible support and welcoming spaces makes a real difference. There is room to strengthen how the city supports youth programming and community partnerships that foster belonging. In office I will listen, stay responsive, and help ensure the city continues to support programs and spaces that build connection and inclusion across the community.

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

Yes. Pride is one of those moments that really shows the best of Newburyport. It’s joyful, welcoming, and full of people coming together to support one another. This year my family walked in the parade with the YWCA, and it became a teachable moment for my kids, who are still young and learning. It gave us a chance to talk about identity, respect, and why Pride exists, to honor people for who they are and to recognize that not everyone is always accepted for being themselves.

Pride is a celebration, but it’s also a chance to reflect, to listen, and to model what inclusion looks like in practice. It’s about building a community where everyone feels valued and supported.

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

The theme captures something essential about Pride. It recognizes that being visible and living authentically has long been an act of resistance against exclusion and erasure. It’s a statement of strength and a reminder that equality is not just about policy, it is about how people are treated and seen every day. It also reflects the importance of continuing to build a community that values acceptance and visibility, and that stands with people who have had to fight simply to be themselves.

What are your hopes for Newburyport Pride 2026?

I hope Pride continues to grow as a celebration that brings people together across the city. Each year builds on the last, and it would be great to see even more collaboration among community groups, schools, and local businesses. I also hope it continues to be a space for reflection and learning as well as celebration. Pride is a joyful moment, but it is also a reminder of the work it took to get here and the importance of standing together in support of one another all year long.

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

I have attended both the parade and the flag raising. The parade stands out because it captures what makes Newburyport Pride special: the energy, connection, and support that come through when people come together. The flag raising is also meaningful in a different way, as it symbolizes visibility and unity across the city. Both moments reflect the community’s pride in showing up for one another.

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

I see allyship as something that is shown through actions. It means listening, learning, and showing up in ways that help strengthen trust and understanding across the community. I do not pretend to speak for the LGBTQIA+ community, but I will always work to make sure voices are heard and respected in city decisions.