Pride In Peabody

At Salem Pride, June 28, 2025

As Pride Month comes to an end and our Independence Day celebrations begin, I wanted to take a few moments to wish everyone a Happy Pride and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy. Gay rights, like trans rights, are but a subset of the human rights. That individuals have human rights is a certainty. And we, as Americans, have long recognized the truth that governments exist to protect those rights. To say that all people possess human rights is not some aspirational statement. This is not the naive dream of a hopeless idealist. Rather, this is a hard reality.

The modern concept of human rights arose in Europe at a time when societies were based on rigid hierarchies, religious orthodoxy suppressed independent thought, and most people were denied what we would today see as fundamental freedoms. Thinkers like Locke, Voltaire, and Montesquieu began to apply new principles of the scientific method to human affairs, reaching conclusions that weakened the intellectual support of the monarchies of old.

It was this philosophy that inspired our Founders. Men of different economic classes, religions, and disbursed through a wide continent were persuaded by the inescapable logic of the political Enlightenment. They understood that our essential commonalities matter more than the differences; that no one is intrinsically “better” than anyone else; and, everyone should be free to live their life without undue interference. This is what they told King George III in the Declaration of Independence while promising to create for themselves, their posterity, and all humanity, a government dedicated to protecting the inalienable rights of humankind.  

My family turning out for Salem Pride

The promises made in the Declaration of Independence regarding human rights, the fundamental reason for our country’s existence, have never been perfectly fulfilled. But, the history of the LGBTQ+ struggle for recognition is proof of the power people have when they are organized, committed to a righteous cause, and disciplined. Our history is one where rights, long enjoyed by some, are extended to those who were wrongly denied them. Often, those rights are only extended when they are fought for and it takes each generation to ensure freedom’s progress does not recede. No matter what threats we might face today, we remain committed to protecting our LGBTQ+ friends, family, and neighbors – no matter the cost.  

If elected Peabody City Councilor, I will work to make sure members of our LGBTQ+ community feel safe and valued. I propose that Peabody become a sanctuary city for transgender folks similar to cities like Salem, Boston, Pittsfield, Northampton, and Worcester. Especially at a time when the federal government is targeting LGBTQ+ folks, local leaders need to step up and protect their residents. I promise to always be someone who supports the equality of all people and will help the efforts of our LGBTQ+ community to secure their human rights.  

In Solidarity,

Tristan R. Brown

Candidate, Peabody City Councillor, at-Large