Non Binary Teen Beaten by Peers at School Dies Shortly After Attack
PHOTO: GoFund Me
Their name was Nex Benedict and they were being bullied by peers with no help from staff or faculty. The nation is not only actively waging a war against the Trans community, but they are also failing LGBTQ+ youth in public school systems.
On February 7th, 16 year old Nex Benedict was assaulted by a group of peers in a bathroom at a high school in Oklahoma. As of now, authorities are claiming the altercation was not the cause for Nex’s death even though it occurred less than 72 hours after the attack.
“Preliminary information from the medical examiner’s office is that a complete autopsy was performed and indicated that the decedent did not die as a result of trauma,” Owasso police said in a press interview.
Nex’s Grandmother reports that they were severely beaten by three older girls in the bathroom and that Nex’s head hit the ground extremely hard during the assault. She also mentioned that Nex expressed being bullied at school in the past but that she didn’t realize how bad it had gotten.
Nex’s death comes at the heels of Oklahomas Anti Trans Bathroom Bill that took effect in 2022.
While there doesn’t seem to be any sign of remorse or empathy from the school or peers involved in the attack, there has been an outpour of grief and support expressed from the queer community. A number of Vigils have been planned around the country and LGBTQ+ organizations have rallied together to demand answers as well as justice for Nex Benedict.
There has also been a GoFundMe started by Nex’s family to support them during their time of grief. The link for that can be found below.
LINK
Nex was a beautiful person and we are deeply saddened that their life was cut short because of bigotry and hate. We will keep fighting for justice and the right to be authentic moving forward. Until then, fly high Nex. You won’t be forgotten.
