Nex Benedict : “Biden mourns nonbinary teen’s suicide”

Tragic Incident In Oklahoma

US President Joe Biden has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old nonbinary teenager from Oklahoma. The teenager took their own life after facing bullying at school, sparking a wave of outrage and calls for action to address discrimination against trans and nonbinary individuals.

The incident occurred in the city of Owasso, where Nex Benedict was involved in a confrontation with three other students in a school restroom. Following the altercation, the teenager was seen by a school nurse but was sent home without further intervention. It was not until Nex’s grandmother contacted the police from a hospital emergency room that authorities were alerted to the situation.

Heartbreaking Loss and Outrage

President Biden, along with First Lady Jill Biden, expressed their heartbreak over Nex’s untimely death on February 8. The President emphasised the need to end discrimination and address the alarming rate of suicide among nonbinary and transgender youth.

“Nex Benedict, a kid who just wanted to be accepted, should still be here with us today,” Biden stated. “Nonbinary and transgender people are some of the bravest Americans I know. But nobody should have to be brave just to be themselves.”

Bullying and Tragic Consequences

Nex Benedict, who identified as nonbinary, faced relentless bullying from fellow students for over a year, particularly regarding their choice of clothing. The teenager reported being mocked by the three girls involved in the altercation over their attire, leading to a distressing chain of events.

Following the incident in the restroom, Nex fell ill at home the next day and was rushed back to the hospital, where they tragically passed away. An autopsy report revealed a concerning mix of pharmaceutical drugs in Nex’s system, shedding light on the severity of the situation.

Call for Action and Investigation

The US Education Department launched an investigation into the school district’s handling of the case, focusing on potential failures to address “sex-based harassment” adequately. The incident has reignited debates over gender issues in a politically divided United States, with Oklahoma’s stringent laws on bathroom use and gender-affirming care coming under scrutiny.

The tragic loss of Nex Benedict serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to combat bullying and discrimination against marginalized communities. President Biden’s call for unity and compassion echoes the sentiments of many who seek justice and equality for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)