This blog originally appeared at ADVOCATE.
President Joe Biden highlighted the teenager’s passing and urged an end to bullying.
President Joe Biden released a statement from the White House on Thursday in response to the untimely murder of 16-year-old Nex Benedict of Oklahoma. He expressed his sympathies, along with those of the First Lady, and urged the country to address the bullying problem that he described as affecting LGBTQ+ youth.
The Chief Medical Examiner’s office in Oklahoma reports that Benedict, a transgender and nonbinary student at Owasso High School, committed himself by overdosing on two popular prescription and over-the-counter drugs, which caused toxicity.
Biden stated, “Jill and I are devastated by Nex Benedict’s tragic passing. “Every young person has the fundamental right to be free to be themselves, to feel safe and supported in their communities and at school. We ought to still be here with Nex Benedict today—a young person who only wanted to be accepted.
The president made his remarks in the face of growing dissatisfaction and doubt regarding the medical examiner’s one-page summary of Benedict’s death report. The medical examiner’s office has ten business days, per state law, to deliver the complete autopsy report. The summary, according to advocates and community people, does not adequately address the bullying and assault that occurred before to Benedict’s death, highlighting the fact that tragedies of this nature are inextricably linked to the conditions that give rise to them.
GLAAD has issued a warning against oversimplifying Benedict’s tragic story and brought attention to the structural problems with bullying and prejudice that LGBTQ+ kids face.
In response to the news of Benedict’s likely cause of death, Peggy Rajski, interim CEO and creator of The Trevor Project, a nonprofit that offers support and crisis counseling to LGBTQ+ children, released a statement.
“We are incredibly saddened to discover that Nex Benedict took his own life following severe harassment and assaults at their educational institution,” Rajski stated. Although this terrible tragedy has captured the attention of the country, we also know that it is, sadly, not unusual. LGBTQ+ youth have a suicide death rate that is more than four times higher than that of their peers. This isn’t due of any innate identification trait; rather, it’s a result of the extreme pressures, rejection, and hostility that many of them encounter in society.
Rajski went on, “Research by The Trevor Project indicates that having at least one accepting adult in an LGBTQ+ young person’s life significantly lowers their likelihood of attempting suicide. Ex’s death is a tragic reminder that we all have a role to play in reducing and eventually eradicating LGBTQ+ youth suicide.” Supporting young people who are living in their truth, whether as a teacher, caregiver, neighbor, or friend, is a life-saving and affirming act of allyship.
In his supportive letter, Biden mentioned the difficulties LGBTQ+ adolescents confront.
Some of the bravest Americans I know are nonbinary and transgender individuals. However, Biden stated that no one should need bravery in order to be themselves.
Benedict’s story has brought attention to the serious effects of bullying, especially when it comes to pupils who identify as LGBTQ+. Benedict was beaten in a school restroom just before he passed away, an event that highlighted the ongoing harassment he experienced because of his gender identity. Benedict admitted to the policeman on the footage obtained after the attack that he was bullied a lot.
In his speech, Biden reaffirmed his administration’s support for LGBTQ+ safety and rights, saying, “I will always have your back.”
Biden stated, “Parents and schools must take reports of bullying seriously.” He continued, “In memory of Nex, we must all recommit to our work to end discrimination and address the suicide crisis impacting too many nonbinary and transgender children.”
For 24/7 access to free and confidential services, please phone, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org if you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support. For those who identify as transgender or gender nonconforming, Trans Lifeline can be contacted at (877) 565-8860. In addition, the lifeline offers support for other crises, like those involving domestic abuse. (866) 488-7386 is the Trevor Project Lifeline number for LGBTQ+ youth (age 24 and under). Additionally, users can text START to 678678 or use the chat services at TheTrevorProject.org/Help.
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