Biden mourns Nex Benedict death, says they 'wanted to be accepted'
By: USA TODAY
Sad but true.
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Michael CollinsUSA TODAY
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden mourned on Thursday an LGBTQ+ Oklahoma teenager whose death by suicide after a school fight sparked widespread outrage and calls for change.
Biden said in a statement that he and first lady Jill Biden were heartbroken by the death of Nex Benedict, who was pronounced dead Feb. 8, one day after being injured in an altercation inside an Owasso High School bathroom. A state medical examiner said Wednesday said the 16-year-old died of suicide.
"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," Biden said. "Nex Benedict, a kid who just wanted to be accepted, should still be here with us today."
Nex's death raised questions about the issue of bullying and whether the school district was doing enough to protect students subjected to harassment. Nex, who used the pronouns he, him, they and them, had been bullied in the past over their gender identity, which did not align with societal stereotypes.
Police are investigating what led to the fight in the school bathroom, including whether the teen was targeted in an act of gender-based violence.
A summary autopsy report concluded Nex died of toxicity from diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, and fluoxetine, an anti-depression medication. A full autopsy report is due soon.
In his statement, Biden described nonbinary and transgender people as "some of the bravest Americans I know." But, he said, "nobody should have to be brave just to be themselves."
"In memory of Nex, we must all recommit to our work to end discrimination and address the suicide crisis impacting too many nonbinary and transgender children," Biden said. "Bullying is hurtful and cruel, and no one should face the bullying that Nex did."
Parents and schools must take reports of bullying seriously, Biden said.
"My prayers are with Nex's family, friends and all who loved them," he said. "And to all LGBTQI+ Americans for whom this tragedy feels so personal, know this: I will always have your back."
To LGBTQI+ young people across the country, Biden said, "you are loved exactly as you are."
Contributing: Molly Young of The Oklahoman
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It's times like these that one wishes they weren't right all along.........
Biden mourns Nex Benedict and the likes of Geogre Floyd, but can't even get Laken Riley's name right.
So this, like George Floyd, was an overdose and not the story were told to believe.
Won't see any apologies from the peanut gallery and their "murdered" rhetoric though.
We won't.. In fact I expect them to double down on the false stories. Just like they did with Floyd.
Branden is a bigger imbecile than I thought.
Does he think that only nonbinary and transgender people get bullied? That the rest of those that are and have been bullied are just cowards incapable of protecting themselves?
Brandon never met a tragedy he didn't tried to take advantage of- including Laken Riley's death when he apologized to her killer for calling him an "illegal immigrant". That is what is important- getting the politically correct terminology right for a killer's status in our country. The fact the POS killed someone is completely irrelevant.
What a fucking joke we have in the White House.
Compare his response to this suicide to the murder of “Lincoln” Riley.
And make damn sure you spell "Riley" correctly. You don't they will come after you.
I thought Nex was beaten to death in a school
restroom, I need to do better at keeping up.
I am so tired of the media and the White House making up a narrative that turns out to be a flat out lie!