Vigil Planned In Stamford To Honor Life Of Nex Benedict

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Pride has announced it will hold a vigil to honor the life of Nex Benedict, the nonbinary 16-year-old student from Owasso, Okla., who died on Feb. 8 a day after a physical altercation at their school with three classmates.

The vigil is scheduled for March 7 at 5:45 p.m. in Latham Park, located at 269 Bedford St., and aims to raise awareness of transgender issues and to pay tribute to Benedict.

"Prior to their death, they were relentlessly bullied for months due to their gender identity," Stamford Pride said in a news release, noting that Benedict used the pronouns they/them.

"Trans and nonbinary people constantly face hostile rhetoric from state lawmakers, and hundreds of bills rampant with anti-LGBTQIA2S+ hate are continuing to be introduced by state legislatures across the country," Stamford Pride added.

"Nex Benedict’s passing has acted as a conduit to direct outrage and grief, and organizations across the nation are calling for change and protection for transgender and non-binary youth. We encourage all members of our community, friends, families, and allies to attend as we come together to support one another."

Attendees are invited to bring Pride flags, battery-operated candles, flashlights and phone lights.

Vigils have been scheduled across the country in recent weeks following the news of Benedict's death, CBS News reported.