Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

Two weeks later, tThe life and death of Nex Benedict has captured the imagination nationwide. It is imperative to remain vigilant during the investigation. Also important is connecting trans and queer youth in Oklahoma and other hostile states with supports.

Donations

At this point in time, please consider a donation to support trans and queer organizing throughout Oklahoma. Without a doubt, these are the folks on the ground right now showing up for students in Owasso High School and beyond.

• Freedom Oklahoma
• Oklahomans for Equality
• Trans Advocacy Coalition for Oklahoma
• PFLAG Oklahoma City
• PFLAG Tulsa
• PFLAG Norman
• PFLAG Stillwater
• Sisu Youth Oklahoma City
• Diversity Center of Oklahoma

Also, Nex’s family crowdfunded to cover funeral expenses that has now grown to $110,000. At this point, the family has stated their intentions to donate the funds to support other kids.

Vigils

Then, please consider supporting the vigils – many are youth led.

For the most current list, visit the GLAAD website.

Friday:
2/23 in McAlester at 6 PM at All Saints Episcopal Church organized by McAlester community members
2/23 in Stillwater at 6 PM at St. Andrew’s Church organized by Stillwater community members

Saturday:

• 2/24 in Norman at 5:30 PM at Andrews Park hosted by Norman Community Members
• 2/24 in OKC at 6:30 PM at @pointagallery in OKC organized by Rural Oklahoma Pride
• 2/24 in Tahlequah at 7 PM at Norris Park by Tahlequality
• 2/24 in Columbus, Ohio at 6:30 PM at the Ohio Statehouse organized by community members
• 2/24 in Maplewood, NJ at 6 PM New Jersey Safe Schools Coalition

Sunday:

• 2/25 in Bartlesville at 6:30 PM at Disciples Christian Church by Oklahomans for Equality Bartlesville
• 2/25 at 6:30 at Guthrie Green by Trans Advocacy Coalition of Oklahoma (TACO)
• 2/25 at 7 PM at 816 W Gore Blvd Lawton, OK by UU Lawton OK Pride
• 2/25 at 1 PM at Montclair Church, Montclair, NJ, by Garden State Equality

Monday:

• 2/26 in Monongalia County at 6:30 PM at Monongalia County Justice Center by Monongolia Pride
• 2/26 in Toledo, OH at 7 PM at the Toledo Love Wall by EqualityToledo, NW Ohio LGBTQ+ Coalition

The list is too long to transcribe here. Check this link on Facebook for all of the events. i will also try to keep this updated, but don’t want you to miss out on anything.

I included a photo of Nex with their kitten, Zeus. It strikes me as representative of Nex receiving comfort and sweetness, not smiling or posing for whatever the camera expected.