Tragic Loss of Nonbinary Teen Sparks Nationwide Vigils for LGBTQ+ Community
In the wake of a heartbreaking incident, over two dozen individuals gathered at All Saints Episcopal Church in McAlester, Oklahoma to pay tribute to Nex Benedict, a nonbinary teenager who tragically lost their life following a violent altercation in a high school bathroom. The vigil, organized by the McAlester Rainbow Connection, was one of many scheduled across the nation in memory of Benedict, aiming to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old student from Oklahoma, identified as nonbinary and preferred they/them pronouns. According to a video released by Owasso police, Benedict revealed that three girls had targeted them and their friends, ultimately attacking them after Benedict poured water on the girls. The incident left the community devastated, prompting calls for justice and support for the LGBTQ+ youth.
Matt Blancett, who spearheaded the vigil with the Rainbow Connection, stressed the significance of holding such an event in McAlester, alluding to the murder of Dustin Parker, a transgender man, in 2020. “It shows people that we have a community, we are here, we’re not going anywhere,” Blancett emphasized. The vigil aimed to demonstrate solidarity and unity within the LGBTQ+ community while honoring the memory of a young life cut tragically short.
Janie Koch, a priest at All Saints Episcopal Church, highlighted the importance of seeking support during times of emotional turmoil. “It is very, very important as the gamut of emotions are cycling to watch out for each other, to be mindful of one another,” Koch stated. The vigil served as a safe space for individuals to share their grief and find solace in the presence of others who understand their struggles.
In an audio recording of the call to police, Sue Benedict, Nex’s mother, expressed her desire to press charges against those responsible for the altercation. However, the responding officer explained that since the teen initiated the altercation by throwing water, it would likely be viewed as a mutual fight by the court. Instead of pursuing charges at that time, Sue Benedict requested that the police address ongoing issues among students at Owasso High School.
A search warrant filed on February 21 revealed that investigators collected extensive evidence related to the altercation. They took 137 photographs within the school premises, including inside the girls’ bathroom where the fight occurred. Additionally, two swabs of stains were collected from the bathroom, and records and documents of the students involved were retrieved. Although the initial warrant mentioned a search for evidence in a felony murder case, the police department later clarified that Nex Benedict’s death was not a direct result of injuries sustained during the fight, based on preliminary autopsy results.
The police department has refrained from providing further details regarding the cause of Nex Benedict’s death until toxicology and other autopsy reports have been completed. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are committed to uncovering the truth behind this devastating loss.
The tragic incident has sparked an outpouring of support and solidarity across the nation. Additional vigils are scheduled in various Oklahoma cities throughout the weekend, while similar events have taken place or are planned in several states, including California, Washington, Minnesota, New Jersey, Texas, and New York. This collective response reflects a resilient community determined to bring attention to the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and advocate for a more inclusive society.
In memory of Nex Benedict and countless others who have suffered due to discrimination and violence, these vigils serve as a poignant reminder of the work that still needs to be done in order to create a safer and more accepting world for all.