Speech at the Katelyn Benoit Community Vigil

A SPEECH GIVEN AT THE COMMUNITY VIGIL TO HONOR
THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF

KATELYN RINETTA BENOIT

by

Her Majesty The Queen

We assemble this evening beneath solemn skies to honour the memory of Katelyn Rinetta Benoit—a young soul whose light was dimmed far too soon. Though her years were few, her spirit was vast, and the love she stirred in those who knew her would not perish with the setting sun.

Katelyn fought battles alone. Yet she faced every sunrise with courage, crafting joy out of small moments. Her light was never the problem; it was the storm of cruelty surrounding her that dimmed the horizon.

We must acknowledge a hard truth. The tempest that battered Katelyn’s spirit was not wrought by fate alone. Across this nation and around the globe, laws are drafted in fear, pulpits resound with prejudice, and airwaves and social media crackle with rhetoric that brands our trans siblings as outlaws in their own land. 

Such cruelty is not destiny; it is design. And design can be unmade.

Grief is the highest price we pay for love, and we feel that price keenly tonight. But love is also the forge of resolve. Grief should not paralyze us; it should propel us. 

When one trans youth’s laughter is silenced, the whole community falls quieter. When one bright future is gone, all of tomorrows grow dimmer. But when we rise together—parent and pastor, teacher and neighbour, ally and sibling—no force of ignorance can withstand the majesty of our collective will.

To those who trade in fear, know this: history keeps long ledgers, and cruelty is a debt that comes due. To the silent bystander, recall that neutrality in the face of oppression is itself a choice—and history records that, too. And to every trans youth who hears or sees this, know that you are a wonder, not a problem; a promise, not a peril. 

I hope that when we depart today, a vow upon our lips and in our hearts is made: that Katelyn’s name, and many others, shall ride the winds of change. That her story shall steady our hearts, and that her memory echoes in every hall where justice and equality is demanded. 

Rest now, dear Katelyn, in realms where no cruel word can wound you and no shadow can dim your light. We, your living witnesses, shall carry the torch you left behind—undaunted, unbowed, and unafraid—until the dawn of a world where every trans child may thrive.

May courage be our companion, compassion our banner, and justice our everlasting quest.

Thank you.