Stephanie Niketic, candidate for City Council, Ward 2

When I moved to Newburyport in 1980, one of the things which struck me about the city was its inclusiveness of the gay community.

One of our most famous photographers was Fran Dalton. I first met Fran when she was Frank; she transitioned in the mid-80's Maybe I just ran in the right circles, but I do not remember anything but acceptance of Fran, and she openly continued her work. (If you are not familiar with Fran Dalton's work, I recommend the book "Images of Life, Change & Beauty" by Frank P. Stiriti and Colleen H. Stiriti.)

From 1994-1997, and again from 2000-2001, we had a gay mayor, Lisa Mead. When my children were at NHS, some fifteen years ago, there was an LGBTQ alliance to support gay students. While your teenagers won't tell you everything, I never heard stories of gay bullying (although sadly of other types of bullying). For the past two years, we have had two gay men on our city council. Heath Granas, an excellent councillor, unfortunately decided to step down. Ben Harman is running a popular campaign to serve on the council again.

I do support the annual Newburyport Pride celebration. It means to me that Newburyport continues to be open. I marched in the 2024 Pride Parade.

I honestly do not know what challenges the LGBTQIA+ community faces in Newburyport, but I support the city's continued openness and inclusion.

If I am elected to the city council, I hope that anyone in Ward 2, or any other councillor, who feels there is a challenge or problem will talk to me about it. Newburyport is no place for hate or discrimination of any kind.