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Delayed Media Response to Nonbinary Student's Death Sparks Debate on LGBTQ+ Coverage

The death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict after a school altercation has highlighted slow mainstream media coverage and ignited discussions on anti-LGBTQ+ policies in Oklahoma.

Trans-rights activists protest outside the House chamber at the Oklahoma Capitol before the State of the State address, Feb. 6, 2023, in Oklahoma City. On Monday, May 1, Oklahoma became the latest state to ban gender-affirming medical care for minors as Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill that makes it a felony for health care workers to provide children with treatments that can include puberty-blocking drugs and hormones. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Oklahoma Non-Binary Student Death Controversy / Nex Benedict's Death

Overview

  • LGBTQ+ media and bloggers were the first to report on Nex Benedict's nonbinary identity after their death, highlighting a delay in mainstream media coverage.
  • Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old nonbinary student, died following a physical altercation with classmates in an Oklahoma high school bathroom.
  • The incident has sparked discussions on Oklahoma's anti-LGBTQ+ policies, including bathroom laws and the targeting of LGBTQ+ individuals by far-right activists.
  • Body camera footage released by the Owasso Police Department showed Benedict describing the altercation, leading to widespread media coverage and online reactions.
  • The death of Nex Benedict has become a viral topic, prompting discussions on the treatment of LGBTQ+ students and the role of media in reporting on their identities.