We are holding a candlelit vigil for Nex Benedict. The vigil will be on March 2nd, 2024 at 7PM in Grosvenor Park United Church (407 Cumberland Ave S, Saskatoon). We have invited an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper to provide spiritual support and several speakers from the queer community in Saskatoon. All are welcome to join in solidarity. Please bring unscented candles.
On February 8, 2024, Nex (he/they), an Indigenous, Non-Binary 16-year-old student died after facing a hate-filled attack at school. The day before, Nex was assaulted in a school bathroom by 3 other students. The school failed to to call an ambulance and proceeded to suspend Nex for 2 weeks. Nex passed away shortly after. Nex’s family has spoken up about the start of bullying Nex faced at school since last year when the Oklahoma, USA government enacted a bill forcing students to use bathrooms based on their assigned birth sex.
In our opinion, the violence Nex experienced was fueled by transphobia and racism. Nex deserved to live a fulfilling life just like any other person.
Their story is not isolated. Anti-trans laws are spreading across the world including Saskatchewan. The Sask Party’s Parents’ Bill of Rights which prioritizes parents’ choice over consent of children under 16 to choose their pronouns is an ongoing form of attack on queer youth in our province. We can’t ignore that the provincial government’s transphobic attacks will keep hurting our communities. We must continue resisting.
Non-Binary, Two Spirit, and Transgender folks everywhere, know that you are loved and deserving of acceptance.