Across America people are mourning the loss of Nex Benedict (they/them) a 16-year-old Indigenous and nonbinary student who died after being beaten at an Oklahoma High School. In response to this tragedy Vice President Kamala Harris released a statement on Twitter stating:
“My heart goes out to Nex Benedict’s family, friends, and their entire community. To the LGBTQI+ youth who are hurting and are afraid right now: President Joe Biden and I see you, we stand with you, and you are not alone.”
My heart goes out to Nex Benedict’s family, friends, and their entire community.
To the LGBTQI+ youth who are hurting and are afraid right now: President Joe Biden and I see you, we stand with you, and you are not alone.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) February 23, 2024
As we mourn the loss of Nex Benedict it is important to focus on fighting for safer conditions for LGBTQIA+ youth. Whether that be through demanding southern states enact laws that protect trans youth or providing queer students with affirming spaces at school or implementing better DEI training for educators and staff. It is imperative that we come together as a community and stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ students and send a message that hate will not win.
View this post on Instagram
A White House spokesperson told KOCO in Oklahoma City in a statement:
“Violence in our nation’s schools is unacceptable. School should be a place where every child, no matter who they are or how they express themselves, feels safe and supported. Our hearts are with Nex Benedict’s family, their friends, and the entire school community. We know for so many LGBTQI+ students across the country, who already have to face bullying and attacks on their rights, that this tragic loss feels personal.”
“We want to remind young people around the country that there is always someone you can talk to if you’re going through a hard time. LGBTQI+ youth can dial 988, the nationwide crisis hotline, and press the number 3 to speak with a counselor dedicated to serving LGBTQI+ young people.”
In the upcoming days there will be various vigils held to honor the memory of Nex Benedict. These gatherings are not just to mourn the loss of Nex but to reaffirm our commitment to making inclusive environments for all individuals especially, nonbinary and gender nonconforming youth.
A list of in-person vigils to support Nex’s memory in Oklahoma:
Friday, 2/23
McAlester, Oklahoma at 6:00 PM
All Saints Episcopal Church organized by McAlester community members
Stillwater, Oklahoma at 6:00 PM
St. Andrew’s Church organized by Stillwater community members
Saturday 2/24
Norman, Oklahoma at 5:30 PM
Andrews Park hosted by Norman Community Members
Oklahoma City at 6:30 PM
@pointagallery organized by Rural Oklahoma Pride
Tahlequah at 7:00 PM
Norris Park, organized by Tahlequality
Sunday 2/25
Bartlesville, OK at 6:30 PM
Disciples Christian Church by Oklahomans for Equality Bartlesville
Guthrie Green at 6:30PM
Trans Advocacy Coalition of Oklahoma (TACO)
Lawtonat 7 PM
816 W Gore Blvd Lawton, OK by UU Lawton OK Pride
If you would like to attend an in-person vigil to for Nex outside the state of Oklahoma:
Friday, 2/23
San Diego at 5:30 PM
The Hillcrest Flagpole by The LGBTCenter
https://www.instagram.com/p/C3q7fgvsR86/
Orange County, CA Huntington Beach Pier from 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Organized by Pride at the Pier
https://www.instagram.com/p/C3lo6plvqc5/
Minneapolis, MN at the MPLS Federation of Teachers at 8:00 PM
Sponsored by the Queer Equity Institute
https://www.instagram.com/p/C3oKOGuMrk7/
Spokane, WA at the Runners Statues Post Street and Spokane Falls Blvd. at 6:00 PM
Hosted by Spectrum Spokane
https://www.instagram.com/p/C3q7SpjJlKR/?img_index=1
Saturday 2/24
Maplewood, NJ at 574 Valley Street, Maplewood NJ at 6:00 PM
Hosted by CHS Spectrum Club and New Jersey Safe Schools Coalition
https://www.instagram.com/p/C3oNburRU3I/
Denton, TX at 110 W Hickory St, Dentonfrom 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Hosted by Denton Left
https://www.instagram.com/p/C3q0ub4rc4_/
Sunday 2/25
Montclair, NJ at 67 Church St, Montclairat 1:00 PM
Hosted by Garden State Equality and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation
https://www.instagram.com/p/C3qXb1xys5s/
Monday 2/26
New York City: Stonewall Inn, 53 Christopher St, New York, NY at 5:30 PM
by New Alternatives NYC
https://www.instagram.com/p/C3sx6L6OLeG/?img_index=1
The passing of Nex Benedict is felt throughout the Oklahoma community, highlighting the urgent need to combat anti trans legislation in the state of Oklahoma. It underscores the importance of protecting trans youth to prevent further loss due to LGBTQ+ discrimination. As we honor Nex’s memory, let us work to dismantle discriminatory laws, speak out against homophobic rhetoric, and focus on obtaining equality and justice for the queer community.