We need to protect our trans youth
Photo courtesy of Alisdare Hickson / Wikimedia Commons
TW: Mentions of suicide
On Mar. 23, 2025, Katelyn Rinetta Benoit, a 15-year-old girl who attended The School of the Arts (SOTA), fell from the roof of the school building after suffering a mental health crisis. Benoit succumbed to her injuries on Mar. 24, 2025. Upon further investigation, it was later revealed that Benoit faced challenges of depression and bullying. The suicide of Benoit shook the Rochester community and parents of SOTA, who feared for the safety and emotional well-being of their children after this tragic event. There have been calls by the Rochester community for a proper investigation of SOTA’s neglect regarding how Benoit received roof access.
On Sunday, Apr. 13, a candlelight vigil was hosted by Rochester LGBTQ+ Together in honor of Katelyn. On their Instagram, Rochester LGBTQ+ Together expressed their need for support within the Rochester community, “Her life was precious and needed to be cherished. Kat’s death brings to focus the mental health crisis our transgender youth are experiencing across the nation, to support Trans youth in our city.”
They have continued their fight for justice in collaboration with WAVE Women Inc. and Next Generation Men Of Transition by curating a petition to tell the Rochester City School District (RCSD) to provide more support for LGBTQ+ students in RCSD schools. Parents and other concerned Rochester community members are rightfully worried about the overall support young people receive in their schools. The school board must ensure they have the proper resources to support every student attending its institution.
While I am writing this, I do want to make one thing very clear— the slogan “Protect Trans Kids” does not exclude youth who do not identify as LGBTQ+. This does, in fact, include every child, teenager, and young adult of any background who is in need of support and protection. This also includes providing support for families with LGBTQ+ family members who may not have the necessary resources to provide for themselves or others within their communities.
We need to protect our transgender and non-binary siblings, especially our youth. We need an increase in programs, resources, and other lifelines that allow trans youth to survive and thrive in their own skin.
There are more ways to get involved in the fight against the hate that has taken away the lives of far too many of our transgender and non-binary siblings. At this very moment, we need each other now more than ever, especially with our current administration putting us in vulnerable positions.
To combat these harmful narratives, we need access to resources in any way possible— support groups, community centers, and other organizations give every person access to support in these dire times. Speak out against harmful legislations that aim to attack marginalized communities, sign and share petitions with community members, and most importantly, seek community. We must not stop fighting for our transgender and non-binary siblings.
Before you think about permeating your biases in public spheres, look within yourself and question who you are, who you want to be, and how you want to present yourself to others. Advocate for the rights of your siblings because advocating for others means advocating for yourself.