White House Condemns ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Expansion in Florida as ‘Devastating’
In a recent development, the White House has condemned the expansion of the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill in Florida as ‘devastating.’ The bill, which was originally focused on limiting discussions about gender and sexuality among younger children, has now been expanded to include students up to 12th grade. This expansion has raised concerns about the potential impact on LGBTQ+ youth and their ability to express their gender identities.
The tragic death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict in Owasso, Oklahoma, has brought attention to the issue of bullying and the struggles faced by individuals with gender expansive identities. According to friends, Nex was long bullied for their gender identity, which they described as “gender expansive.” But what does gender expansive mean?
According to PFLAG, a national LGBTQ+ advocacy group, gender expansive is an umbrella term for individuals who do not conform to traditional gender categories or who expand ideas of gender expression or identity. It is a way of describing someone who does not align with societal expectations of what gender should be. The term has been in use since at least 2012 when it emerged from a report by the Human Rights Campaign that surveyed LGBTQ+ youth across the United States.
It is important to note that gender expansive is not synonymous with nonbinary, although cisgender individuals can also embrace the term. Instead, it is another way of saying gender non-conforming, which is the preferred term according to PFLAG. The group emphasizes the importance of using the term preferred by the individual with whom you are interacting.
The incident involving Nex Benedict highlights the devastating consequences of bullying and harassment faced by LGBTQ+ youth. Nex, who loved reading, art, and playing Minecraft, was involved in a fight at Owasso High School that resulted in their death. While it remains unclear whether their gender identity played a role in the altercation, friends have stated that Nex had been bullied for their gender identity for over a year.
This tragic event sheds light on the larger issue of bullying faced by LGBTQ+ youth. A Pew Research Center survey released in June 2022 revealed that a record high 5% of young adults identify as transgender or nonbinary. This increase can be attributed to more accurate media representation, increased visibility of transgender and nonbinary individuals on social media platforms, and a broader acceptance of different gender identities.
The survey also highlighted growing awareness of terms such as nonbinary and gender fluid, especially among young adults. These terms refer to individuals who do not identify strictly as male or female. As awareness and acceptance of different gender identities continue to grow, it is crucial for schools and communities to create a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ youth.
The response from Owasso High School regarding prior bullying reports involving Nex Benedict and the existence of support groups for students with diverse gender and sexual identities remains unclear. However, Nex’s family has announced plans for an independent investigation into the incident, urging officials to hold those responsible accountable and ensure that such tragedies never happen again.
In her GoFundMe page to raise funds for funeral expenses, Sue Benedict, Nex’s mother, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and apologized for not using Nex’s chosen name in her original post. She emphasized the importance of not judging them as Nex was judged and asked for understanding during their time of grief.
The death of Nex Benedict serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth and the urgent need for greater support and acceptance. It is crucial that schools, communities, and policymakers take concrete steps to address bullying and create an inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, can thrive.
