Nex Benedict recognized as Grand Marshall of OKC Pride Parade
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KFOR) - Nex Benedict, the 16-year-old who died earlier this year, was awarded Grand Marshall posthumously at this year's 37th annual Oklahoma City Pride Parade.
"This year's Grand Marshall is Nex Benedict. Nex was tragically lost from our community this year. OKC Pride chose to honor their memory with this posthumous recognition," OKC Pride Inc. posted Saturday night.
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The parade route wrapped around OKC near 39th Street and had thousands out celebrating as well as marching.
OKC Mayor David Holt once again showed up to walk in the parade as well. Several companies and organizations showed up on the parade route as well.
The day started out raining and many thought it might be canceled but things started clearing up before the event kicked off.
The lineup began around 3 p.m. and the official parade started around 6 p.m.
The Board of Directors of OKC Pride, Inc. announced that the 37th Annual OKC Pride Parade and Festival will be held from May 31– June 2 in the Historic 39th Street District in Oklahoma City.
The event included live entertainment, speakers, vendor booths, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.
Benedict was a non-binary high school student in Owasso who died the day after a physical altercation in the girls' restroom of their high school.
A Medical Examiner summary autopsy report showed the teen died by suicide.
| READ MORE HERE > Full autopsy report for Nex Benedict released >
The story took the nation by storm with many questioning the actions of those involved, those investigating their death, and the overall environment surrounding LGBTQ+ teenagers.
Grand Marshall involves a person selected by the group or a leader to represent the event as a whole.