A crowd of 40 to 50 people gathered on the famous Huntington Beach Pier in California on Friday night, holding candles and walking in solidarity for 16-year-old Nex Benedict, who tragically passed away in Oklahoma. The somber vigil took place some 1,500 miles away from the teen’s home, but the impact of Benedict’s story has resonated across the country.
Outrage and Concern Sparked
While the cause of Benedict’s death is still under investigation, reports of bullying and discrimination based on their gender identity have sparked outrage and concern nationwide. The incident has even caught the attention of the White House, highlighting the urgent need to address issues of LGBTQ+ discrimination and violence.
Alex Mohajer holds the Pride Flag aloft as he leads nearly one hundred people down the Huntington Beach pier during a vigil for Nex Benedict, a non-binary 16-year-old who was badly beaten by peers and sustained major head trauma in the bathroom of an Oklahoma school, and died a day later. on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. (Sam Gangwer, Contributing Photographer)
Ed Hirsch, left, and Pia Hirsch hold signs before the vigil Friday night. In response to reports that on Feb. 7th, non-binary 16-year-old Nex Benedict was badly beaten by peers and sustained major head trauma in the bathroom of an Oklahoma school, and died a day later, Orange County LGBTQ+ groups and their supporters, led by Pride at the Pier and Groundswell are planning a vigil at the Huntington Beach Pier in Huntington Beach on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. (Sam Gangwer, Contributing Photographer)
Daniel Jimenez, left, and Casandra Maldonado hold candles and a Mexican Pride flag as they listen to speakers at the Huntington Beach pier Friday evening. In response to reports that on Feb. 7th, non-binary 16-year-old Nex Benedict was badly beaten by peers and sustained major head trauma in the bathroom of an Oklahoma school, and died a day later, Orange County LGBTQ+ groups and their supporters, led by Pride at the Pier and Groundswell are planning a vigil at the Huntington Beach Pier in Huntington Beach on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. (Sam Gangwer, Contributing Photographer)
A giant Pride flag billows in the wind on the Huntington Beach pier Friday at sunset. In response to reports that on Feb. 7th, non-binary 16-year-old Nex Benedict was badly beaten by peers and sustained major head trauma in the bathroom of an Oklahoma school, and died a day later, Orange County LGBTQ+ groups and their supporters, led by Pride at the Pier and Groundswell are planning a vigil at the Huntington Beach Pier in Huntington Beach on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. (Sam Gangwer, Contributing Photographer)
Three people stand to listen to the speeches at the beginning of a vigil Friday evening at the Huntington Beach pier. The vigil was held for non-binary 16-year-old Nex Benedict who was badly beaten by peers and sustained major head trauma in the bathroom of an Oklahoma school, and died a day later. Orange County LGBTQ+ groups and their supporters, led by Pride at the Pier and Groundswell held a vigil at the Huntington Beach Pier in Huntington Beach on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. (Sam Gangwer, Contributing Photographer)
Candles and notes were left at a makeshift shrine to Nex Benedict at the end of the Huntington Beach pier Friday at sunset In response to reports that on Feb. 7th, non-binary 16-year-old was badly beaten by peers and sustained major head trauma in the bathroom of an Oklahoma school, and died a day later. Orange County LGBTQ+ groups and their supporters, led by Pride at the Pier and Groundswell held a vigil at the Huntington Beach Pier in Huntington Beach on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. (Sam Gangwer, Contributing Photographer)
A giant Pride Flag is unfurled at the end of the Huntington Beach pier Friday at sunset In response to reports that on Feb. 7th, non-binary 16-year-old Nex Benedict was badly beaten by peers and sustained major head trauma in the bathroom of an Oklahoma school, and died a day later, Orange County LGBTQ+ groups and their supporters, led by Pride at the Pier and Groundswell are planning a vigil at the Huntington Beach Pier in Huntington Beach on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. (Sam Gangwer, Contributing Photographer)
Seeking Justice and Support
Benedict’s family, who shared that the teen identified as nonbinary and used they/them pronouns, revealed that bullying based on gender identity played a significant role in their child’s tragic experience. While a preliminary autopsy ruled out death as a direct result of the altercation, the exact cause of Benedict’s passing remains unknown.
Local LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, including Pride at the Pier and Groundswell, have been inundated with messages from Orange County residents expressing a mix of emotions, from despair and anger to grief and fear. The vigil held on Friday aimed to honor Benedict and all victims of queerphobic hate in the community.
Shannon Snyder, a resident of Long Beach who identifies as nonbinary, emphasized the importance of standing in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. “People should be able to be protected,” Snyder stated. “I think just showing up, bringing a light to Orange County in Nex’s honor is what’s needed.”
Unity and Resilience
Before the march down the pier commenced, attendees embraced each other in a show of unity. The uplifting anthem “This is Me” filled the air as they walked, carrying the spirit of resilience and hope.
At the end of the pier, a towering pride flag was unfurled, symbolizing strength and solidarity. Attendees left heartfelt notes and wishes for a brighter future for the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing a message of unity and defiance against hate.
Friday’s vigil sent a powerful message: “Hate will not win.”
