Sean Reardon, candidate for Mayor (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?

Over the past four years, I have been proud to stand alongside Newburyport Pride and help make our city a more inclusive and welcoming community. My first year in office, we raised the Pride Flag at City Hall for the very first time, a simple but powerful statement that love and acceptance belong here. That same year, I supported the Pride Dance at the Masonic Temple, which featured a drag queen DJ and brought people of all ages together in celebration.

The following year, Newburyport Pride officially launched, and we were honored to have Governor Maura Healey join us to raise the flag. It has been incredible to see how much Pride has grown each year, from a small gathering to a citywide celebration that reflects the heart of who we are as a community. That year we also raised the flag during International Transgender Day of Visibility, an annual event to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people.

As an elected official, I see my role as making sure Newburyport celebrates Pride not just in June, but every day through policies, partnerships, and public visibility. That means supporting inclusive practices in our schools, standing up against hate in all forms, and ensuring every resident feels safe and seen in this city.

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

Absolutely. Pride is one of the most joyful and meaningful celebrations we have in Newburyport. It is a time when we come together as a city to affirm that every person, regardless of who they love or how they identify, belongs here. Pride reminds us that inclusion is not passive; it is something we build and protect through community, education, and visibility. Each year, I look forward to seeing the energy, creativity, and courage that Newburyport Pride brings to our city.

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

I thought it was a perfect theme. In a time when LGBTQIA+ rights are under attack across the country, this message was a powerful reminder that being yourself fully, proudly, and unapologetically is an act of courage and defiance. While some in our federal government are working to roll back rights, Newburyport can and should continue to lead by example. We show our values through our actions, and I am proud that our city continues to stand firmly on the side of equality.

What are your hopes for Newburyport Pride 2026?

I hope Pride continues to grow, both in size and in impact. Each year the events get more creative, the attendance grows, and the message deepens. By 2026, I would love to see even more schools, local businesses, and community organizations participating, helping to make Pride a true reflection of our entire city. My goal is for Newburyport to always be a place where LGBTQIA+ residents feel not just accepted, but celebrated.

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

I have attended nearly every Pride event since taking office, and it is hard to pick a favorite, but the parade stands out. Watching it grow from a few participants into a citywide celebration has been inspiring. It is a visible, joyful reminder of how far we have come.

Another favorite moment is the Pride Flag raising at City Hall. My first year, we had about a dozen people there. The next year, we welcomed Governor Healey and hundreds of residents, and the energy was unforgettable. Each year, the speakers’ stories remind us why this work matters. Ben Harman’s speech that year especially moved me and reminded everyone in attendance of the power of authenticity and community.

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

You have a big supporter in me, and I will always have your back. Pride is not just a celebration; it is a commitment to making sure every person in Newburyport feels seen, valued, and safe. I am grateful for the work Newburyport Pride has done along with the Human Right Commission and DEI Alliance to build that sense of belonging, and I look forward to continuing to stand with you in the years ahead.