Hundreds Gather in Oklahoma City to Honor Teenager Nex Benedict
OKLAHOMA CITY – The city of Oklahoma came together on Saturday in a touching tribute to Nex Benedict, a beloved teenager whose tragic passing has sparked a wave of heartbreak and outrage across the nation. Nex’s death, following a fight inside a high school bathroom, has garnered significant attention due to their gender-expansive identity and claims of ongoing bullying.
As a high school sophomore, Nex, who identified as he/him and they/them, was an active member of the LGBTQ+ community, fully embraced by their friends and family. Concerns about Nex’s wellbeing have been fueled by reports of regular bullying they faced because of their gender identity. While the specific circumstances of the fight are still unclear, a recent autopsy has ruled out trauma as the cause of Nex’s death.
The outpouring of support for Nex was evident during their funeral service held on February 15. However, on Saturday, more than 500 people filled the Point A Gallery in Oklahoma City’s LGBTQ+ community haven, while another 100 gathered on the streets outside, watching the vigil via livestream. Attendees, mourning the loss of a vibrant life, expressed their desire to pay homage and stand up against the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ youth.
“It is important for us as a community to come together to show our support for our young people, to let them know that it is okay for them to be who they are,” said Rebecca Bevan, one of the attendees.
Advocates Call for Equality and Recognition of the LGBTQ+ Community
The memorial event was hosted by Rural Oklahoma Pride and Point A Gallery, and was one of many held throughout the state of Oklahoma on the same day. The aim was to illuminate the unresolved challenges and barriers affecting LGBTQ+ individuals, and ignite a passion for change.
Bryan Paddock, co-founder of Rural Oklahoma Pride, expressed the significance of the vigil as a symbol of unity and resilience. “We lost a member of our community – they may have been young, but they were lost to us way too soon,” Paddock said. “We need change in Oklahoma. We need change in the United States. That youth was not protected as they should have been, and there’s so much legislation being discussed that threatens our community’s existence.”
During the event, Kendra Wilson-Clements, a Choctaw individual, delivered a poignant blessing, emphasizing the love shared by the attendees for Nex, despite not having personally known them. Wilson-Clements wished Nex a peaceful journey beyond their struggles in this world, emphasizing their eternal remembrance.
Advocates for LGBTQ+ Rights Demand Immediate Action
The allegations of bullying and the school altercation have attracted the attention of LGBTQ+ advocates and allies, who have criticized the handling of Nex’s case by authorities. Several advocacy groups have cited the right-wing rhetoric prevalent in Oklahoma, particularly regarding gender and sexual identities, as a contributing factor to Nex’s untimely death.
These organizations are now demanding greater protection for students facing bullying due to their gender and sexual identities. They perceive the memorial service as an opportunity to foster greater unity while urging attendees to defy anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, violence, and oppressive legislation.
Nicole Poindexter, associate regional campaign director at the Human Rights Campaign, emphasized the necessity of significant change and submitted requests for investigations into allegations of anti-LGBTQ+ bullying and the circumstances leading up to Nex’s tragic passing.
Nicole McAfee, executive director of Freedom Oklahoma, reaffirmed the urgent need for reform, expressing that Nex’s story should serve as a catalyst for justice for the LGBTQ+ community.
Ready to Support and Inspire Change
In addressing the crowd, Kris Williams, a prominent figure supporting queer youth in the 39th Street District, urged all queer adults to stand together and be a guiding light for the younger generation. Williams reminded the audience that as a family, they could conquer the obstacles faced, providing hope and comfort to those experiencing turmoil.
Lance Preston, founder and executive director of Rainbow Youth Project USA, attended the prayer vigil in solidarity with the Oklahoma LGBTQ+ community. Expressing admiration for the show of support, Preston disclosed that his organization had experienced a significant increase in crisis calls, predominantly mentioning Nex’s name. This affirmation of solidarity emphasized the community’s willingness to lend support to those in need.
Contributing: Christopher Cann, USA TODAY
