Honoring Nex Benedict

By californialgbt | February 21, 2024

The tragedy of Nex Benedict is alltoo familiar for many of us. However, we must continue to honor Nex and the life Nex lived. Nex, a nonbinary 16-year-old from Owasso, Oklahoma, enjoyed rock music, gaming, animals and nature, was Choctaw and a 4.0 student.

Our hearts ache for the Oklahoma 2SLGBTQIA+ community and for the family, friends, and loved ones of Nex Benedict. This pain is deeply intertwined with the relentless legislation and harmful rhetoric pervasive in Oklahoma and across various state departments nationwide, perpetuating the dehumanization of 2STGNC+ individuals.

As we pay tribute to the life and identity of Nex, we must also remember that combatting bigotry and hatred requires collective effort. Every 2SLGBTQ+ individual deserves the safety to live authentically. Now is the time for action! Whether it’s voting, educating ourselves and those around us on pronoun usage, or on LGBTQ+ terminology – supporting Non-Binary, Trans, and LGBTQ+ communities in any form makes all the difference.

For those seeking solace in this time of mourning and anger, Freedom Oklahoma has monthly community groups that offer supportive virtual spaces. This month’s gatherings are scheduled for February 20-22.

Recognizing the detrimental impact of stories highlighting attacks on 2SLGBTQ+ individuals on mental health, we want to highlight the availability of 2SLGBTQ+ affirming crisis support through organizations like Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860), the Trevor Project (call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678), and the LGBT Hotline (888-843-4564).

Lastly, we want to share the wisdom of Audre Lorde: “Our children cannot dream unless they live, they cannot live unless they are nourished. If you want us to change the world someday, we at least have to live long enough to grow up!”

You are loved 🧡
You matter 💜
You belong 💛

There is a quote on the graphic that reads, "Our children cannot dream unless they live, they cannot live unless they are nourished. 'If you want us to change the world someday, we at least have to live long enough to grow up!' shouts the child." - Audre Lorde. The graphic has a dark grey background with the text in white. There is a ribbon on the bottom of the image with the nonbinary flag colors, yellow, white, and purple. The CA LGBTQ HHS Network logo is located on the bottom right.

Posted in Blog