The death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict due to bullying at school over their nonbinary identity has led to widespread condemnation, an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education, and calls from President Biden for safer environments for LGBTQ+ youth.
The Oklahoma Medical Examiner has confirmed the death of a 16-year-old nonbinary student, Nex Benedict, as a suicide, citing “Diphenhydramine and Fluoxetine combined toxicity” – drugs known commonly as Benadryl and Prozac – as the cause. This determination came after Nex was involved in a physical altercation with peers in a bathroom at Owasso High School, sustaining severe head injuries. The tragic event occurred in the context of Nex’s struggle with bullying at school, rooted in their nonbinary identity. This backdrop includes the contentious legislation mandating students to use bathrooms matching their birth certificates, further complicating Nex’s school experience.
The incident and subsequent death have sparked nationwide condemnation and calls for reform from the LGBTQ+ community, advocacy groups, and political figures, including President Joe Biden. Biden’s remarks focused on the need for creating safer, more accepting environments for all young people, emphasizing the freedom to be oneself without fear of discrimination or harm. These sentiments come amid wider discussions on the safety and well-being of LGBTQI+ youth, particularly in school settings, and criticisms of rising anti-LGBTQ legislation in states like Oklahoma.
In response to the outcry, the U.S. Department of Education has initiated an investigation into the potential mishandling of harassment claims within Owasso Public Schools. Meanwhile, Nex’s death has prompted vigils and student walkouts across the country, showcasing a collective mourning and protest against the bullying and exclusion faced by nonbinary and transgender youth.
The tragic loss of Nex Benedicts underscores ongoing societal challenges concerning acceptance, safety, and support for LGBTQI+ individuals, particularly in educational environments.