The Tragic Death Of Nex Benedict

Several years ago, a friend said that he felt unsafe living in Tulsa as a transgender person. At the time, I thought maybe he was exaggerating because I simply could not understand why anyone else would possibly care. Color me naïve and call me Pollyanna, as I’ve sadly become all too aware that my friend was not overstating the danger. It has become painfully apparent that there is a level of hatred towards the LBGTQ community that is toxic and, in some cases, fatal. The recent death of Nex Benedict is the result of that hatred.

There are still many unanswered questions in the case of Nex’s death, but there are some facts we know. Nex Benedict identified as nonbinary and had previously reported bullying targeted at their gender identity. On February 7, Nex was severely beaten by three other students in the bathroom at Owasso High School. No ambulances were called; they were sent home on the school bus. The next day, Nex died at the hospital. An investigation by the Owasso Police is currently underway.

We know Nex was targeted because of gender identity. Maybe I’m slow to understand, but someone please explain to me why there is such hatred for people who are gay, transgender, or nonbinary. I have to believe that hate is rooted in fear and ignorance. How does someone being nonbinary, gay, or transgender threaten someone else? No one is being asked to change their beliefs or religion. All that is asked is that you allow others to make their decisions about their body. If it affronts your religious beliefs, let your God deal with it on judgment day. Be kind and mind your own business.

Unfortunately, in Oklahoma, the hatred toward the LBGTQ community begins with leadership. It’s become accepted to promote an atmosphere of exclusion. Ryan Walters, the State’s Superintendent of Education, is a vocal opponent of allowing students to use the restroom that correlates with their gender identity. He called it a “woke agenda” and supported Senate Bill 615, which limited students to using the restroom that correlates with the sex on their birth certificate. That bill became law, even though it contradicts Title IX. Stitt and Walters have teamed up to promote other bills discriminating against the LBGTQ community, thereby creating an atmosphere of non-acceptance.

Nex was a child who deserved to live to be an adult. Their life was cut short by hatred and ignorance, by bullying and violence. Nothing can justify that. Justice must be done, and those who beat Nex must face punishment. If school authorities didn’t follow through properly, they must answer for their failures. There are still too many questions and not enough answers.

There is no answer that will bring Nex back, but we must change our atmosphere of hatred so that another child isn’t the victim of hatred and violence. Nex didn’t deserve this fate. Our schools, our cities, and our state need to be places of love and acceptance. Our children’s very lives depend on it.

[Editor’s note: Originally, we shared information about a vigil happening in Owasso on Sunday evening, Feb. 25. It has since been brought to our attention that this vigil is primarily for the Owasso community and people who knew Nex. However, there is a community vigil happening on Sunday, Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m. at Guthrie Green. Details about that can be found at facebook.com/events/281481858123248/]

If you need support or know someone who does, contact The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project is a suicide prevention and crisis intervention non-profit organization for LBGTQ youth. There is information and support available 24/7. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text 678-678