Tragic Death of Nonbinary Teen Sparks Controversy and Calls for Accountability in Oklahoma
In the small town of Owasso, Oklahoma, a devastating incident has sent shockwaves throughout the community. Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old nonbinary student, tragically passed away following an altercation in a girls’ bathroom at their public high school. Nex had been the target of bullying due to their nonbinary identity, according to relatives. The heart-wrenching incident has sparked controversy and calls for accountability, highlighting the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in a conservative state.
Owasso, located in the northeastern corner of Oklahoma, is a Tulsa suburb with a population of about 40,000. LGBTQ+ issues have long been a contentious topic in the state, known for its conservative stance. Last year, Governor Kevin Stitt signed an executive order defining an individual’s sex as their “biological sex” at birth. This was followed by laws mandating students to use bathrooms that align with their assigned sex at birth and restricting gender-affirming care for transgender youths. Oklahoma has already seen over 50 proposed anti-LGBTQ+ laws this year, more than any other state in the country.
Adding to the controversy is Superintendent Ryan Walters, who is openly critical of LGBTQ+ rights. Walters appointed Chaya Raichik, a conservative activist known for targeting LGBTQ-friendly teachers at Owasso schools through her platform Libs of TikTok, to a state library advisory board. The combination of discriminatory legislation and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric from top officials has created a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in Oklahoma.
Following Nex’s tragic death, Freedom Oklahoma, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, released a statement declaring that whether Nex died as a direct result of the attack or not, their death was a result of being the target of physical and emotional harm because of who they were. The school district provided some background on the incident, explaining that the fight involved several students and was broken up by other students and a staff member. All individuals involved were evaluated by the nurse, but no ambulance or police were called at the time. However, Nex’s family took them to the hospital the next day after collapsing at home.
The exact cause of Nex’s death is still unknown, pending the results of an autopsy and toxicology report. Owasso police have not disclosed how many students were involved in the altercation or if any suspensions were issued. Oklahoma law does not address hate crimes based on gender identity or sexual orientation, further complicating the situation.
Nex’s death has deeply affected LGBTQ+ communities across Oklahoma, particularly among young people. The Rainbow Youth Project, based in Indianapolis, received an influx of calls from Oklahoma following the incident, with two-thirds of callers mentioning Nex’s death. Over 80 percent of callers revealed that they had experienced bullying at school or on social media. The tragedy has intensified fears among LGBTQ+ students, who worry about their safety and well-being in a school environment.
Kylan Durant, president of the Oklahoma Pride Alliance, emphasized the relevance of Nex’s gender identity and called out state officials for their violent rhetoric towards the queer community. Durant challenged Superintendent Ryan Walters and other top officials to acknowledge that incidents like Nex’s death are a direct result of discriminatory laws and negative attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals.
While there have been calls for transparency from authorities, details surrounding the incident remain limited due to an ongoing police investigation and federal privacy laws. Nex’s family is determined to find answers and has hired a Tulsa attorney to assist them. They are eager to review security camera footage from the hallway to understand what happened after Nex emerged from the bathroom.
At Nex’s funeral, family members described them as a straight-A student, a nature lover, and an animal enthusiast. They were devoted to their cat named Zeus and enjoyed watching “The Walking Dead” and playing video games like “Minecraft.” Nex also embraced their Choctaw heritage. The funeral procession, escorted by Owasso police and Bikers Against Child Abuse, paid tribute to Nex’s life and the impact they had on those around them.
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe page was created to help Nex’s family cover funeral costs. The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming, with over $50,000 raised so far. Nex’s family plans to use the remaining funds to support other children who are fighting for their right to be their authentic selves.
The heartbreaking story of Nex Benedict’s death serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in conservative communities. It has ignited a call for accountability and sparked conversations about the urgent need for inclusive policies and acceptance. As the investigation continues, the hope is that Nex’s death will not be in vain and that it will lead to meaningful change in Oklahoma and beyond.