Juliet Walker, candidate for School Committee (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 think the biggest challenges for the LGBTQIA+ community right now are directly related to the discriminatory and hateful speech and actions of the Trump regime and its supporters. By broadcasting anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and taking specific measures to undo DEI initiatives, target transgender athletes and members of the military, enabling school districts and public libraries to limit access to books written by and about LGBTQIA+ people and other historically marginalized groups, and generally working to undermine and block rights and freedoms of LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families, the Trump regime and its supporters and enablers are spreading a culture of hate that must be stopped. We must do all that is in our power to support and protect our LGBTQIA+ community in Newburyport. We must speak up loudly and often as one voice to denounce the rhetoric. We must ensure that our LGBTQIA+ community is represented at all levels of our local government and across our city departments. We must provide safe and supportive spaces in our schools and community programs for LGBTQIA+ youth. We must continue to provide forums for the LGBTQIA+ community to be heard and acknowledged without fear.

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

Yes, I support this and am proud we do this. As a sister, aunt, friend, colleague, and ally of LGBTQIA+ individuals, this event represents a way for me to express my support in a public and visible way and have fun doing so!

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

I don’t have an opinion on this. The event organizers do an amazing job and I appreciate their continued efforts to make this event a success.

What are your hopes for Newburyport Pride 2026?

I hope we continue to grow participation and express our support for LGBTQIA+ people in a safe and celebratory way.

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

I have attended the annual pride flag raising and the pride parade. Both are wonderful experiences.

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

Please know that I will continue to support the LGBTQIA+ members of our community in a visible and vocal way. As a School Committee member, I want to know how we can better support our LGBTQIA+ youth in our schools. If Newburyport Pride can be an avenue for providing this input, please reach out! I am heartbroken about what is occurring in our country right now and outraged that the Trump regime is targeting people that are part of the very fabric of our communities and who represent the very best of us in so many ways. You deserve better, we all deserve better.