1. LGBTQ community in Oklahoma mourns Nex Benedict
2. Oklahoma leads in anti-LGBTQ legislation as LGBTQ Oklahomans grieve Nex Benedict.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : The LGBTQ community in Oklahoma is in shock following the tragic death of a queer teenager who reportedly endured months of bullying at school. Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old student at Owasso High School, passed away on February 8, just a day after allegedly being attacked in a school restroom. The circumstances surrounding Nex’s death are still unclear, with a police investigation currently underway.
According to Nex’s family, the teenager had been subjected to bullying due to their gender identity, which began after the implementation of a new state law restricting transgender students from using bathrooms that correspond to their gender identity. While Nex’s specific gender identity remains unknown, their family continues to use they/them pronouns for Nex. The family has expressed concerns about the bullying Nex faced and the impact of discriminatory legislation targeting LGBTQ students in Oklahoma.
The tragic incident has sparked outrage and sorrow within Oklahoma’s queer and trans communities, who feel that Nex’s death cannot be separated from the wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation and rhetoric in the state. The passing of laws such as the bathroom bill, which restricts transgender students’ rights, has exacerbated the hostile environment for LGBTQ individuals in Oklahoma.
The state has seen a surge in bills targeting LGBTQ people, with lawmakers introducing 54 such bills this year, the highest number in the nation. In addition to the bathroom law, other measures have included restrictions on transition-related care for minors and laws allowing discrimination against LGBTQ individuals by religious entities. The hostile climate towards LGBTQ students in Oklahoma has been further exacerbated by the appointment of individuals with anti-LGBTQ views to key positions in the state.
The impact of discriminatory policies and rhetoric on LGBTQ youth in Oklahoma is profound. Hali, a senior at a nearby high school, shared her feelings of fear and insecurity due to the state’s bathroom law and other discriminatory practices. The hostile environment created by state officials like Ryan Walters has made it challenging for LGBTQ students to feel safe and accepted in their schools.
The tragic loss of Nex has reverberated beyond Oklahoma, prompting a collective outpouring of grief and solidarity from LGBTQ individuals and allies nationwide. The country’s leading LGBTQ rights organizations have condemned Nex’s death and called for justice. The incident has also highlighted the need for greater support and resources for LGBTQ youth facing discrimination and bullying.
In response to Nex’s death, vigils are being held across the state to honour their memory and support the LGBTQ community. Mental health organisations like the Rainbow Youth Project are mobilising resources to provide assistance to those affected by the tragedy. The increase in calls to crisis hotlines and the growing fear among LGBTQ youth underscore the urgent need for inclusive and supportive environments in schools and communities.
As the LGBTQ community mourns the loss of Nex and grapples with the implications of their death, it is crucial to continue advocating for the rights and well-being of all LGBTQ individuals. By standing together and supporting one another, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society for everyone..
“LGBTQ community in Oklahoma mourns Nex Benedict”
“Oklahoma leads nation in anti-LGBTQ bills, LGBTQ Oklahomans mourn Nex Benedict”.
