Oklahoma Medical Examiner Confirms LGBTQ Teen Nex Benedict's Suicide

The death of transgender student Nex Benedict has been ruled a suicide by a medical examiner, sparking outrage and calls for action from LGBTQ activists. Nex, who faced bullying at school due to his gender identity, died a day after a fight at Owasso High School. LGBTQ advocates and the medical community have long warned that queer youths face disproportionate rates of mental health issues, with a survey finding that more than 40% of LGBTQ people age 13-24 seriously considered attempting suicide in the previous year. The Department of Education has opened an investigation into whether Nex’s high school failed to appropriately respond to sex-based harassment, following a complaint filed by the Human Rights Campaign.