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Support Trans, Non-Binary and Gender-Expansive Youth: Justice For Nex
Enough is enough! Oklahomans — and every kid across the country — deserve better.
Nex Benedict should be alive and deserves justice.
Nex (he/they), a 16-year-old student at a public high school in Oklahoma, died on February 8, 2024. Their tragic death, after being brutally assaulted in their high school following months of bullying and harassment, is a gut-wrenching tragedy that exposes a chilling reality many of us fear.
The U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) completed its investigation on November 11, 2024 and is holding Owasso Public Schools accountable for systemic violations of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This finding comes in response to HRC’s complaint filed in February 2024 regarding the conditions at Owasso Public Schools following Nex's tragic death.
Honoring Nex
Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old non-binary high school student, loved nature and watching the television show The Walking Dead. Nex enjoyed drawing, reading and playing Ark and Minecraft. On February 7, 2024, Nex was brutally and viciously beaten inside a bathroom at Owasso High School in Owasso, Oklahoma.
More About Nex
Demanding Justice
Nicole McAfee, Executive Director of Freedom Oklahoma, shares her thoughts following the tragic death of Nex Benedict, fighting policies from State Superintendent of Education Ryan Walters, and finding hope in the people fighting for the rights of trans and non-binary youth across the country.
Read More
Resources for Gender and LGBTQ+ Inclusive Schools
Welcoming Schools provides educators with the tools and training they need to embrace teachable moments, interrupt bias-based bullying, support transgender and non-binary students, and be prepared to answer important questions about LGBTQ+ and gender topics with students and families.
Find Tools and Trainings
Oklahomans Speak Out for Nex Benedict at Owasso School Board Meeting on March 11, 2024
Stay Informed With the Latest
Take Action: Ryan Walters MUST GO
Education officials have horrifically failed to protect Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old non-binary Oklahoma high school student. Their death, after being brutally assaulted in their high school following months of anti-LGBTQ+ harassment and bullying, is a gut-wrenching tragedy that exposes a chilling reality many fear: Extremists are bringing the politics of hate into our schools and making our kids pay the price.
Oklahoma’s Equality Scores
Access our databases to learn more about the equality issues or protections that exist in your state, municipality, or employer. Discover which laws are affecting your city, or find local healthcare facilities taking part in non-discrimination practices.
Read letters to LGBTQ+ youth all around the country from HRC community members letting them know they are loved and that we will do everything we can to protect them.
End Fatal Trans Violence
Since 2013, the Human Rights Campaign has tracked incidents of fatal trans violence— the same year the Federal Bureau of Investigation began reporting on hate crimes motivated by anti-trans bias— and provided action items that can help end the violence.
Rally and Vigil Toolkit
Our hearts are with Nex's family and community as they grieve the loss of a young life gone too soon. Within this kit, you’ll find ways we can collectively take action and help turn this pain into power.
Download Rallying KitSupport from Community Organizations in Oklahoma
If you, or someone you know, are in crisis, please dial 988
or contact:
- Rainbow Youth Project at +1 (317) 643-4888
- Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860
- the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
- LGBT Hotline 888-843-4564