Capital Region LGBTQ+ community honors Nex Benedict
TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -More than 100 members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community illuminated Troy’s Riverfront Park to remember and honor the memory of Nex Benedict with a vigil. They were a non-binary student who died last month in Oklahoma.
Area support groups came together with candles and discussed what is and can be done to prevent another tragedy like this from happening locally. Executive Director of the Pride Center of the Capital Region, Nathaniel Gray, said rural communities are usually without queer support in schools.
"Many, many schools in the Upstate area have a GSA. They used to be called Gay-Straight Alliances, sometimes they’re called Gender and Sexuality Alliances. They are groups in middle schools and high schools that support the LGBTQ students," explained Gray.
A retired teacher of Averill Park, Nancy Klepsch, described she had a profound experience as one of her 10th graders transitioned during the school year. He is now 30 years old and Mrs. Klepsch grieves the life Nex could be living.
"He’s happy and is successful. I’m going to try not to cry. We said not on our watch. And that’s what happened. Not on our watch," added Klepsch.
Multiple groups joined the vigil to remind the community that there is support. Cafe Euphoria in Troy being one of those safe spaces.
"We try to be in the community so that transgender individuals aren’t just hidden, but part of the community. Visibility isn’t enough. We have to ground our political action in terms of real actions within the community," said General Manager of Cafe Euphoria, Atsushi Akera.
The LGBTQ+ community is always growing. Collar City Pride is a newer organization that is looking to bring the first Pride Festival to Troy.
"To let folks know that we’re here. That LGBTQ+ people exist and that we’re not going anywhere. Even if we’re having to grieve in the community, we are fighting the next day," stated Founder of Collar City Pride, Meagon Nolasco.