Statement on the Death of Nex Benedict 

February 23, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Equality Michigan, Grand Rapids Pride Center, Great Lakes Bay Pride, Outcenter Southwest Michigan, the SJ Call-In Coalition, and Stand with Trans jointly issue this statement in response to the tragic death of 16-year-old non-binary student, Nex Benedict, in Oklahoma. Nex suffered severe head injuries from what police described as a “physical altercation” in a high school bathroom.

“As a collective of organizations, we strongly condemn the events leading to the untimely loss of Nex Benedict, a valued non-binary individual. Nex, like all children, deserved the chance to thrive without enduring months of bullying and discrimination. The politically incited violence that claimed Nex’s life, stemming from ignorance and intolerance, is unacceptable.
Now is the time for decisive action! Let’s foster a culture of empathy, respect, and understanding to ensure everyone’s safety in our communities. Join us in demanding a thorough and transparent investigation into Nex’s tragic death and holding those responsible, including government officials and school staff, who were entrusted with their safety, accountable. And let’s also hold accountable the parents of the students who assaulted Nex. Stand up for trans and nonbinary youth by actively intervening and advocating for change. Remember, your vote holds power! Together, let’s propel our schools and nation towards a future where affirmation and acceptance is a shared commitment for all.
We are steadfast in our commitment to defending voices threatened by hate every day. Additionally, we will continue to support our administrators in Michigan and bring accountability to those allowing cultures of harassment and generally hostile school environments to persist. We proudly collaborate with community partners, offering education, networking, resources, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and allies nationwide. Our heartfelt condolences go to Nex’s family and friends during this challenging time. Together, let’s strive for a future where love and acceptance triumph over hate and violence.”

Take action now by learning more about the organizations and resources mentioned in our statement to better support the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

Stand with Trans is a Michigan-based national organization whose mission is to empower and support transgender youth and their loved ones. Stand with Trans was founded in 2015 by Roz Gould Keith, the mom of a transgender son. The organization provides peer support groups for parents and youth, a global, virtual Trans Empowerment Workshop each October, as well as educational resources for youth, families, and advocates. Learn more at standwithtrans.org or visit us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Great Lakes Bay Pride offers a variety of services for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We offer peer support groups across the region, an online resource directory of affirming and welcoming businesses, organizations, and service providers, and we work closely with members of our local tribal community, to ensure access to cultural support for our Two-Spirit LGBTQ+ identifying community members. For more information, visit www.greatlakesbaypride.org

Grand Rapids Pride Center (GRPC) is a resource community center that has worked to create positive change in the 2-SLGBTQ+ West Michigan community since 1988. We do this through our mission of breaking down barriers, creating awareness, providing inclusive services, and bridging relationships. We envision a vibrant, thriving community of 2-SLGBTQ+ people who are celebrated and empowered to achieve their fullest potential. You can learn more about us at our website: www.grpride.org or check us out on our social media: Facebook or Instagram.

OutCenter Southwest Michigan is a nonprofit organization serving Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. OutCenter provides support services and resources to LGBTQ+ people, their families, and allies. OutCenter embraces both the work of charity and the work of change – responding to the needs of LGBTQ+ people and their families, helping to make sense of the world we live in now, and mapping the way toward a more equitable, diverse and inclusive future. Visit outcenter.org for more information.
The SJ Call-In Coalition is a nonprofit organization that is calling in the community to celebrate differences, create relationships, empower disenfranchised groups and to foster diversity in an effort to create a more inclusive, safer, and healthier community. Visit our Website, Facebook, or Instagram.

Equality Michigan (EQMI) has been Michigan’s statewide LGBTQ+ anti-violence and political advocacy organization for over 25 years. EQMI connects victims of individual incidents of bias, discrimination, harassment, and violence, including intimate partner violence, to the support, referral, and navigational services they need to achieve justice. We also partner with pro-LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations to ensure lawmakers and the public are educated on the laws, policies, and regulations needed to achieve and protect LGBTQ+ equality in Michigan. Visit our Website, Facebook, or Instagram.

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