Accident – Death – Obituary News :
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The tragic death of a 16-year-old nonbinary high school student in Oklahoma has sparked outrage and renewed scrutiny of anti-trans policies and political rhetoric over gender identity.
The Incident at Owasso High School
Nex Benedict, who identified as nonbinary and used they/them pronouns, tragically passed away on Feb. 8, one day after a disturbing incident inside a girl’s bathroom at Owasso High School. Despite the family’s claims of bullying, police in the Tulsa suburb have not released a cause of death but confirmed that it was not a result of injuries sustained in the altercation.
A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Sunday in Owasso to honour the memory of Nex Benedict.
The Altercation and Aftermath
Following the fight on Feb. 7, Benedict was able to leave the bathroom but was later taken to the hospital by their family. Despite being sent home that night, paramedics were called to their home the next day for a medical emergency. Benedict was then rushed to the hospital where they tragically passed away.
Nex Benedict’s mother, Sue Benedict, revealed that the teen had suffered bruises all over their face and eyes during the altercation involving a transgender student and three older girls.
A Spike in Crisis Calls
Since the news of Benedict’s death broke, calls to a national crisis hotline for LGBTQ+ youths have surged by over 500% in Oklahoma. Lance Preston, the founder of the Rainbow Youth Project USA, noted a significant increase in calls from distressed individuals across the country.
Of the calls from Oklahoma, the majority reported being bullied at school or on social media, with a significant number expressing fear of physical assault. Several callers identified themselves as students or parents from Owasso High School.
Addressing Bullying in Schools
Experts highlight the heightened risk of bullying faced by students who identify as nonbinary or transgender, especially during their transition. Recent anti-trans legislation in Oklahoma has exacerbated the issue, causing a surge in discriminatory behaviour in schools.
Owasso Public Schools have pledged to prioritise student safety and create an inclusive environment for all students. The high school also hosts a student-led Equality Club that advocates for equality across all identities.
Anti-Trans Efforts in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s Republican-led Legislature has passed several laws targeting transgender and nonbinary individuals, including bans on gender-affirming medical care for children and the use of nonbinary gender markers on birth certificates. Governor Kevin Stitt has also signed bills restricting transgender participation in sports and bathroom use.
Proposed legislation in Oklahoma aims to further limit gender-affirming care, control pronoun usage in schools, and enforce binary gender recognition. Superintendent of Public Schools, Ryan Walters, has faced criticism for supporting anti-trans policies and appointing individuals known for their discriminatory views to state positions.
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