"Controversy and Grief: The Tragic Story of Nex Benedict, an Oklahoma Nonbinary Teen"

During a public forum in Tahlequah, a State Senator referred to the 2SLGBTQ+ community as ‘filth’ while discussing anti-2SLGBTQ+ bills and the death of nonbinary student Nex Benedict in Owasso. The senator's remarks have sparked outrage and condemnation from 2SLGBTQ+ rights organizations and community leaders, who attribute the state's legislation and government leaders' rhetoric as contributing factors to the circumstances surrounding Benedict’s death. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has compiled resources for mental health and crisis support in response to the tragedy.