Vice President Kamala Harris has issued a statement to American LGBTQIA+ youth stating they are “not alone” in the aftermath of the announcement of the tragic death of non-binary teen Nex Benedict.
In a statement posted onto X (formerly Twitter) Harris wrote: “My heart goes out to Nex Benedict’s family, friends, and their entire community. “To the LGBTQI+ youth who are hurting and are afraid right now: President Joe Biden and I see you, we stand with you, and you are not alone.” On 7 February, Nex suffered severe head injuries after a “physical altercation” at Owasso High School.
Nex told their mother that they, and another trans student, had allegedly been in a fight with three older girls, where they were knocked to the ground and hit their head on the floor.
Sue Benedict, Nex’s mother, told The Independent that their child was badly beaten with bruises over their face and eyes and scratches on the back of their head.