In a recent ruling, the death of Nex Benedict, an LGBTQ teen, has been declared a suicide, bringing attention to the growing concerns of anti-LGBTQ bullying and policies in Oklahoma schools. Benedict's tragic passing has shed light on the intense environment faced by LGBTQ students, particularly at Owasso High School, where the teenager was enrolled.

Former students and local parents have voiced their concerns over the impact of anti-LGBTQ policies and rhetoric in Oklahoma schools. Riley, a trans student who preferred to be identified by only their first name for safety reasons, mentioned their constant fear for their safety during their time at Owasso High School, expressing doubts about their ability to survive had they been open about their transgender identity.

Benedict, who identified as nonbinary and used they/them pronouns, passed away on February 8th, just a day after being involved in a physical altercation with other students at the school. According to Benedict's family, the teen had endured months of bullying from fellow students, which escalated following the implementation of a bill signed by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, restricting transgender and gender expansive youth from using bathrooms aligning with their gender identity, under the guise of safety concerns.

The state of Oklahoma has witnessed the passage of 54 anti-LGBTQ bills during the ongoing legislative session, causing heightened distress among LGBTQ individuals. Research highlighted by the American Psychological Association has indicated that such policies and laws targeting access to healthcare, sports participation, and school policies have led to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and suicide risk within the transgender community.

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention further reveal that LGBTQ youth face greater risks of poor mental health, bullying, violence, and suicide compared to their non-LGBTQ peers. It is widely recognized that supportive policies and practices in schools can alleviate this burden and promote better health outcomes for LGBTQ students.

Riley, who attended Owasso High School during the wave of anti-transgender legislation, expressed their concerns about the impact of these bills on their experience. They shared how the fear of being outed or put in an unsafe position due to legal circumstances dampened any hope of finding support, even from sympathetic teachers who may have been forced to adhere to these discriminatory laws.

The tragic death of Benedict has compelled Riley to confront the aspects of their high school journey as a trans individual that they had previously neglected processing. Riley spoke about the difficulty of silently enduring offensive comments and assumptions made by their peers, emphasizing the lack of action taken by school administrators despite repeated reports of offensive language.

Marley Hutchins, another former student at Owasso High School who uses they/them pronouns, echoed Riley's sentiments, describing their own experiences with anti-LGBTQ bullying within the school. Hutchins criticized the school administration for their lack of follow-through and expressed disappointment in their response to the situation, stating that they continue to repeat the same talking points without addressing the actual issue.

Hutchins also expressed gratitude for having graduated before witnessing the worsening experiences of LGBTQ youth due to recent anti-transgender policies and rhetoric from state officials, including Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters. However, Walters defended these policies in an interview with ABC News, asserting that the school's priority is to ensure the safety and success of all students and rejecting the notion of pushing a "gender ideology."

Anna Richardson, a local parent whose child attends Owasso High School, shared that many students have lost confidence in the school's safety policies. Richardson highlighted the skepticism expressed by teenagers when shown the policies and their belief that adults in positions of authority fail to listen and take meaningful action against bullying.

Richardson took it upon herself to organize a vigil in memory of Benedict, aiming to demonstrate solidarity with the LGBTQ community and stand against hate. She stressed the importance of adults stepping up and leading conversations with love and kindness, adding that addressing the issue of bullying begins at home.

Cassidy Brown, a member of the LGBTQ community and an alum of Owasso High School, expressed concern for their 2-year-old child's future in Oklahoma due to the state's current anti-LGBTQ sentiment. Brown apprehensively contemplated the possibility of their child facing ridicule at a public school simply because they have two moms.

The tragic death of Nex Benedict has sparked significant scrutiny toward Owasso Public Schools and Oklahoma state officials. The incident has exposed the urgent need for educational institutions to address anti-LGBTQ bullying and foster a supportive environment for all students.

The devastating loss of a young life serves as a stark reminder that society must work collectively to combat discrimination, promote inclusivity, and protect the wellbeing of LGBTQ youth in schools.