On Friday evening in Salem Square, WORCESTER- Amanda Early wanted to avoid being seated in the YWCA gyms. At another ceremony, she did not want to be holding an electrical light with lots of other visitors.
Early shook her head and said,” We should n’t be here, mourning the death of a child.” Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old Oklahoma student who died earlier last month after being assaulted in a high class bath, was the subject of the ceremony.
The tragedy has heightened interest in the effects of anti-trans language and laws, particularly on nonbinary and transgender youngsters. Fresh speakers from Greater Worcester at the YWCA function spoke about their experience, fears, and how they saw themselves in Benedict.
” Just like me, Nex enjoyed watching TV like” The Walking Dead,” said Finn Santora, 15, one of the speakers. What happened to you, Nex, both piques my concern because it could occur to me and also serves as a reminder to stand up for what I believe in.
Representatives from a number of local companies, including Love Your Labels, SWAGLY, and Safe Homes, organized the Vigil for Nex Benedict. Attendees also lit up signs in support of transgender and gay youth, for as” We deserve to develop up” and” Amplify Trans Youth.” State Senator Robyn Kennedy, D-Worcester, was present.
” Nex is described by his society as a flaming person, with so many dreams and emotions to share with the world,” said Auburn native Anthony Margolis, 17. ” Nex had a talent for the arts and was a straight A student.”
El Martinez of SWAGLY said,” I do n’t think people understand the repercussions of trans youth speaking up here.” How many more times likely I have to do this, I kept asking myself. How many more processions will I need to set up?
A huge poster with the words” Youth Deserve” on it in large characters in the transnational flag tones of blue, green, and light was taped to the wall. Guests were asked to add their own ending to the word after the speakers had finished. administrator Daniela Harrigan gesturing to the banner,” It was very important that this function was youth-led.” This has had an impact on them, their coming, and their well-being.
” It’s so weird because I just want to live my life the way I want to live, and I do n’t understand why people care so much about how I dress and act,” Santora said. He claimed that there are times when he wishes he could fit in, but he thinks presence is crucial and a way to recognize Benedict’s memory. ” Nex was proudly himself. He was well-known for never being scared, and people I aspire to be.
Kiva Centers, Like Your Labels, Santora Automotives, United American Indians of New England, SWAGLY, Safe Homes, Southborough Safe Spaces, and the YWCA of Central Massachusetts all co-sponsored the occasion.
The” Youth Deserve” poster will be displayed at one of the sponsoring organizations, most likely SWAGLY or Safe Homes. ” To feel safe in school,”” to be children,” and, in small characters, hidden among other information,” to live” were some of the words on the banner.
