Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Dozens of students at an Oklahoma high school stage walkout in support of LGBTQ+ community
Recently, a tragic incident took place at Owasso high school in Oklahoma that has left the community in shock. Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old non-binary student, tragically passed away following a physical altercation in a school bathroom. The incident, which involved bullying, has sparked outrage and prompted students to take a stand.
Support for LGBTQ+ community
On Monday, over 40 students at Owasso high school participated in a peaceful demonstration to show support for the LGBTQ+ community in the wake of Benedict’s death. The students walked out to protest the pervasive culture of bullying that exists within the school, demanding greater accountability for such actions.
Cassidy Brown, a graduate of Owasso and organizer of the demonstration, expressed the importance of standing up for those who are marginalized. “I just want to get the word out and show these kids that we’re here,” Brown said. “There is a community here in this city that does exist, and we see them, and they are loved.”
Community vigils and gatherings
Vigils have been held across Oklahoma and the country in honor of Benedict, with hundreds gathering at Redbud Festival Park in Owasso for a candlelight vigil. LGBTQ+ groups have organized many of these gatherings to protest against the frequent bullying faced by non-binary teens.
Susie Eubank, a concerned parent from Owasso, highlighted the fear and threats that students face on a daily basis. “Our children are scared to death and go to school every day, and something has to stop,” Eubank stated. “My child has had direct threats. Direct derogatory names.”
Bullying and gender identity
Benedict’s mother, Sue Benedict, revealed that her child had been subjected to bullying due to their gender identity. The bullying intensified after the passing of a bill by Oklahoma governor Kevin Stitt, which restricts transgender public school students from using the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity.
Despite the preliminary results of the autopsy indicating that Benedict’s death was not a result of the bathroom fight, the incident has shed light on the urgent need to address bullying and discrimination in schools.
As the community mourns the loss of Nex Benedict, it is essential to come together to support and protect all students, regardless of their gender identity. Only through solidarity and advocacy can we create a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone.
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