The day after the country learned the cause of death for an LGBTQ+ Owasso sophomore who had been bullied, President Joe Biden said: “Nex Benedict, a kid who just wanted to be accepted, should still be here with us today.”
The 16-year-old died Feb. 8, one day after being involved in a fight at Owasso High School.
“Jill and I are heartbroken by the recent loss of Nex Benedict,” Biden said in a statement Thursday. “Every young person deserves to have the fundamental right and freedom to be who they are, and feel safe and supported at school and in their communities.”
A summary report of the autopsy for Benedict, who used masculine or gender-neutral pronouns, states a fatal combination of antihistamines and antidepressants was found in their system.
“Nonbinary and transgender people are some of the bravest Americans I know,” Biden’s statement reads. “But nobody should have to be brave just to be themselves.” […]
Click here to read to the full piece. This story was originally published by Tulsa World on March 14, 2024.
