A Candlelight Vigil will be held at Brandon University this Friday, March 1st, at 6:30 p.m. for Oklahoma teen Nex Benedict.

We are gathering around the Turtle Ceremonial Fire Pit in the Kavanagh Courtyard at BU. Bring a candle, a battery-powered light, whatever you are able, and dress warm for the chilly weather.

The rise in discriminatory and hateful policies, discussions, and by-laws across North America directed at queer and gender diverse people, especially youth, cannot continue to escalate. Stand up to hate and misinformation. We are all hurting and we already know the real danger and harm that this causes. Check in with your 2SLGBTQIA+ friends and family. If you need someone to talk to, there are safe resources available in Canada and North America:

Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line (call, text, or live chat available): https://www.youthline.ca/

It Gets Better Canada, Get Help. If you are in crisis or in need of immediate help, please text or call one of the numbers provided, or access community specific resource guides: https://itgetsbetter.org/get-help/

Rest in power, Nex. https://www.freedomoklahoma.org/news/nex-benedict