Greetings,
Today, thanks to Leap Year, we are granted an additional day. This brief gift serves as a timely reminder of the preciousness and transience of each day. This reflection is particularly poignant in light of the recent tragedy surrounding the passing of Nex Benedict (they/them), a 16-year-old nonbinary student who lost their life on February 8th, 2024, following a bullying incident at their high school in Owasso, Oklahoma. Nex's life, full of potential, was cut short far too soon.
While I hesitate to express personal feelings, Nex's death has undoubtedly had a profound impact, prompting a collective call to action. In the Spotlight section, I examine the connection between rising anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and acts of gender-based violence.
Though a brief month, February also brought a wealth of significant acknowledgments. We commemorated Black History Month, the Lunar New Year, and President's Day. We enjoyed hints of early spring thanks to Groundhog Day and memorialized the brilliant life, legacy, and loss of trans icon and activist Cecilia Gentili.Tomorrow marks the exciting start of Women's History Month, an occasion to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. The top news, stories, and resources from this edition of Beyond The Binary™ are here.
Warmly,
Lauren Lubin April
Founder, April Haus, Inc.
