02/21/2024
We are devestated by the news of the death of Nex Benedict, a non-binary, Native American student, high school student in Oklahoma. Nex, a sophomore, was brutally beaten by other students earlier this month and died the following day. Nex had been facing bullying since the Oklahoma government banned transgender students from using school bathrooms that align with their gender identity in early 2023. The death of Nex is a direct correlation of a culture of transphobia often being stoked by state officials, policies, and laws.
Trans and non-binary people, especially youth, face violence every day just for being themselves. We have seen a rise of laws that limit access to medical care, bathrooms, and participation in sports. We have seen laws prevent schools and supportive staff from respecting a student’s gender identity. These laws create environments where Trans and Non-binary students are isolated, vulnerable, and unprotected.
ALL Trans and non-binary youth deserve their right to life, to dignity, to authenticity, and to support in their schools and community. Nex, you deserved more.
Mosaic Medical is grieving today and standing along side our community. Rest in power, Nex.
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