Something Related to Nex Benedict: A Message
Disclaimer: Political content of course, so be warned. Also, some sensitive topics related to suicide and harassment.
So... I've been thinking about Nex Benedict's death lately (it's been a year since their death). And honestly, it's kinda gotten me quite emotionally sad. And upset even. To the point where I might even burst into tears.
To give a summary and short story on who Nex Benedict is and what happened, they're a non-binary teen who was born in Texas and moved to Oklahoma where they attended Owasso High School. Benedict was subject to harassment and bullying more than a year before their death, due to their gender identity and also anti-LGBTQ+ policies put in place by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Later, they were involved in a physical altercation by several older teenage girls and was severely injured in the process. They later collapsed in their living room the next day after the incident. Benedict's death was later determined to be caused by suicide/overdose. It is unclear whether Benedict died due to the physical altercation or anything related to suicide/overdose. Their death became a national headline and many vigils (memorials) were held to mourn the loss of Benedict. (Source: Wikipedia)
However, there wasn't much done to bring justice for Nex Benedict. While it had gained national awareness, not much beyond that was done. As of this blog's posting, Ryan Walter, who is the Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Oklahoma DoE, is still in charge and has not yet been impeached. He called Nex Benedict's death 'politically motivated', resorted to his religious beliefs to consolidate his bigoted viewpoints of there only being two genders, and is still at it with his anti-LGBTQ+ crusade. Now, you see how sickening this is?
It's honestly very saddening that the world can't just accept and respect those trying to be themselves. People just want to be them. They want to live their lives as they please. Why does the world have to be filled with hate, violence, and division? Can't we all just love each other? And yet there are bigots out there, and especially the right-wing that politicise this, under the term 'woke', and make being kind and accepting a bad thing or as they like to call it 'a sin'. It's so fucked up.
Kindness, love, equality, and acceptance isn't something leftist, political or 'woke'. It's common sense. I don't care if its because of your beliefs, viewpoints, political alignment, or what God said that we can't have equality, kindness and the like in this world. Hell, even God himself said to love one another. Love anyone no matter what. He has a message of acceptance. Religious bigots twist his words in ways he never said at all. It's sickening. "There's not multiple genders. There's two. That's how God created us." (Ryan Walters) And I bet God hates you now because you decided to be an absolute turd to those that want to simply live their life and exist. Educate yourself. Seriously.
To close this off with a heavy heart, my heart and condolences goes out to the Benedict family and Benedict themself. It's truly sad and heartbreaking that someone who just wanted to live life and be happy was harassed and eventually killed because of who they are. There aren't enough voices out there calling for action against anti-LGBTQ+ violence. I feel the time to stand up against this rise in hatred and bigotry is not later, not tomorrow, but now.
And to all those out there of different identities, binary or not, never stop existing. Your existence is always a powerful voice, it's what makes the bigots crumble to pieces. People of all different queer identities have existed for centuries and will never disappear ever. Stay strong friends, and always remember to keep on going!
- Signed, Jade Topaz