Nex Benedict : “Nonbinary Teen Death Spurs Anti-Trans Policy Scrutiny”

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A tragic incident in Oklahoma has brought attention to the issue of bullying and discrimination faced by nonbinary individuals. The death of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old nonbinary high school student, has sparked conversations about anti-trans policies and political rhetoric surrounding gender identity.

Nex Benedict, who identified as nonbinary and used they/them pronouns, passed away on February 8 following a fight in a girl’s bathroom at Owasso High School, located in the Tulsa suburb. While the cause of death has not been officially released, police have stated that the teenager did not die as a result of injuries sustained in the altercation.

Details of the Altercation

After the fight on February 7, Nex Benedict was able to leave the bathroom but was taken to a hospital by their family. Although they were sent home that night, paramedics were called to their home the next day due to a medical emergency. Benedict was then taken to the hospital’s emergency room, where they later passed away.

Nex Benedict’s mother, Sue Benedict, revealed that the teen had bruises all over their face and eyes as a result of the altercation involving a transgender student and three older girls. The school district stated that the students were in the restroom for less than two minutes before the fight was broken up by other students and a staff member.

Impact on LGBTQ+ Youths

Following news of Benedict’s death, there has been a significant increase in calls to a national crisis hotline for LGBTQ+ youths. Lance Preston, the founder of the Rainbow Youth Project USA, reported that calls from Oklahoma to the hotline have spiked by over 500%. The surge in calls indicates a heightened sense of fear and vulnerability among LGBTQ+ young people.

Of the calls from Oklahoma, 85% reported being bullied at school or on social media, while nearly 80% expressed fear of physical assault. The tragic incident has not only affected young people in Oklahoma but has resonated with individuals across the country.

Challenges Faced by Nonbinary and Transgender Students

Bullying at school is a prevalent issue, especially for students who identify as nonbinary or transgender. Al Stone-Gebhardt, a transgender man who graduated from a school near Owasso, noted an increase in anti-trans bullying as state lawmakers introduced bills targeting trans youths. The hostile environment has made it challenging for trans individuals to feel safe and supported in educational settings.

Despite the challenges, Owasso Public Schools have emphasized their commitment to student safety and inclusivity. The district has a student-led Equality Club that promotes equality among all students, regardless of their gender identity or orientation.

Anti-Trans Efforts in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s Republican-led Legislature has enacted several laws targeting transgender and nonbinary individuals in recent years. These laws restrict gender-affirming medical care for children, prohibit nonbinary gender markers on birth certificates, and prevent transgender individuals from participating in sports teams or using bathrooms that align with their gender identity.

The state’s Superintendent of Public Schools, Ryan Walters, has supported anti-trans policies, leading to bipartisan criticism. Efforts to ban gender-affirming care for adults, restrict the use of preferred pronouns in schools, and deny the recognition of nonbinary genders are among the measures being considered in Oklahoma.

As the community mourns the loss of Nex Benedict, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by nonbinary and transgender individuals in a society that is still grappling with issues of acceptance and inclusion.