The tragic death of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old nonbinary student, has sparked rallies and walkouts across the country in support of the LGBTQ+ community. From New York City to Los Angeles, people have come together to show their solidarity and demand justice for Benedict’s untimely demise. The incident occurred in Owasso, Oklahoma, during a fight in the girl’s bathroom at Benedict’s school.
Videos released by the Owasso police show all parties involved walking out of the bathroom on their own, indicating that no one was severely injured during the altercation. A preliminary autopsy report revealed that Benedict did not die as a result of injuries sustained during the fight. However, the emotional toll on the LGBTQ+ community and their allies is undeniable.
Robin Ingersoll, a student at Benedict’s school, expressed the collective grief and anger felt by many. “It’s been really tough to lose someone that I cared about and to see all of this hate manifesting into something so powerful,” Ingersoll shared. The heartbreak and frustration are palpable, as the community mourns the loss of a young individual and grapples with the ongoing discrimination they face.
The harassment experienced by Benedict is unfortunately not an isolated incident. Alex DeRoin, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledges that what happened to Benedict is part of a larger issue. “What happened on that individual level is an individual situation that happens because of a systematic problem,” DeRoin explained. They believe that Oklahoma leaders who have advocated for anti-LGBTQ+ laws, such as state superintendent Ryan Walters, contribute to an environment that limits the safety and support available to transgender students.
Walters, however, rejects this notion and asserts that his policies are rooted in common sense. He argues that there are only two genders and that gender ideology should not be promoted in schools. Walters’ stance has been met with criticism from those who believe that such policies perpetuate discrimination and make LGBTQ+ students vulnerable to harassment and violence.
While the police await the results of the autopsy and toxicology reports to determine the exact cause of Benedict’s death, the community anxiously waits to see if charges will be filed against those involved in the fight. The outcome of this investigation will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for how incidents like these are handled and how LGBTQ+ students are protected in schools.
The tragic death of Nex Benedict serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. It highlights the urgent need for greater acceptance, understanding, and support for nonbinary individuals and all members of the community. As rallies and walkouts continue to take place across the country, it is clear that the fight for equality and justice is far from over. The LGBTQ+ community and its allies will not be silenced, and they will continue to demand a safer and more inclusive world for all.
