A Community Response to Community Trauma

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​This page is dedicated to our North Dakota and surrounding region as we share in the national grief of losing Nex Benedict, a young non-binary, indigenous youth.

Nex and their story has been shared across the nation and this page is meant to consolidate so many people who are grieving or processing in isolation. It's meant to bring in people who are afraid, scared, hopeless, or the many other things we can feel in the wake of a tragedy. We are not powerless, we are not hopeless, and we will fight to keep our youth safe. 

(Picture of Nex provided by Sue Benedict, via Associated Press)

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Work-in-Progress
This page is still developing as we get more resources. If you have anything you'd like to add, please reach out to me at [email protected]. The story itself is still emerging, the family is still grieving, and in time we will get a more detailed and full account of who Nex Benedict was. When that becomes available it will be added here as well.
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Public Statements/Resources

• Freedom Oklahoma Statement
• IllumniNative Post and Statement
• Gender Justice Statement
• Minnesota Outfront Statement
• National Education Association Response/Resources

​Narrative Stories

• Summary of the story can be found here.
• Additional details with local Vigil here. 
• ​Confirmation death was by suicide.

A Special Episode 
The Sunday Night with Faye Seidler episode on Feb 25th was exclusively dedicated to a community response to the loss of Nex Benedict. It featured contributions from individuals and organizations across our state. Special thanks to Dr. Kilwein (she/they), Clinical Psychologist for contributing a centering video

Centering and Help

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Local Help and Crisis Lines

• If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

• Non-Emergency/Support: Firstlink Help Line: Dail 2-1-1 or Text “Zip Code” to 898-211

Night of Hope

• Video of over 40 people in North Dakota, many queer and trans people, talking about what gives them hope

Harbor Health Initiative LGBTQ+ Directory

• Every affirming provider for therapy, hormone therapy, or any other queer related health needs​

National Help and Crisis Lines (Recommended by IllumiNative)

• Rainbow Youth Project: 988 or call (317) 643-4888 (Crisis line)
• Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 (Staffed by transgender folks, for transgender folks; toll-free)
• The Trevor Project Hotline:  866-488-7386 (Available 24/7; with counselors trained in supporting LGBTQ youth)
• Native Crisis Text line: Text NATIVE to 741741 (Available 24/7; text support provided by   crisis counselors)​​

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Psychologist Letter Part 1

Psychologist Letter Part 2

Breathing Exercises 

Mindful Compassion 

Safe Spaces Exercise

Community Response

To Youth Reading - it is an empty promise to say we can keep you safe. But something we can promise is that we care about your safety, your life matters, and we want to see you grow up. Reach out, get in touch, and let people fight for you. Our whole lives we're taught we're not worth it and that's a lie. I will spend my life doing everything I can do, connecting everyone I know, because after surviving my childhood in this state it's my life's mission to make sure you can survive yours. - Faye

Actions Going Forward

The Kids in Your Life ​
Tell them you will love them no matter how they identify, so many kids, even those in otherwise affirming homes are scared to talk about it. 

The Safe Harbors Project
This is a volunteer project that seeks to connect with every mental health and social worker within our school systems to make sure they have access to resources and the ability to keep youth safe - Information and Sign-up

Raise the Trans Flag Event
March 24th to March 31st event inviting people to change their social media profiles to the trans flag. Event is intended to show trans youth so many more people are safe than they think. It ends on March 31st with a Digital Transgender Day of Visibility Event inviting trans folks from around the state to submit and share about themselves
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Volunteer with Local Prides or Be Part of the LGBTQ+ Summit
If you'd like to get involved in your community, I can connect you. If you'd like to create community, I can connect you with folks who can help at [email protected].

Run for School Board or Get Civically Involved
Stronger Anti-bullying policy and enforcement happens at the local and state level - https://www.lwvnd.org/how-to-run​

Essential Resource Guide for any Professional