March Message from Conference Minister Lorraine Ceniceros

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to address a sensitive topic that has deeply impacted our Oklahoma community and the LGBTQ+ community at large: the tragic passing of Nex Benedict, a beloved member of the OK community.

Out of respect and care for Nex's family, I have waited to discuss this heartbreaking event. Losing Nex has left a void in many hearts, and our thoughts continue to be with their family and loved ones during this difficult time.

In the aftermath of Nex’s death, I've been deeply reflecting on the parallels between this tragedy and another that left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness: the bombing of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001.

The Twin Towers attack was a profound awakening for the United States, shattering the illusion of invulnerability and revealing that we are not immune to foreign threats. It was a moment of reckoning that led to a reevaluation of our national security measures and our place in the global community.

A friend who is non-binary shared with me that Nex Benedict’s death was a comparable wake up call to that which happened with the 9/11 attacks.

The heartbreaking death of Nex, a 16-year-old nonbinary Choctaw student in Owasso, Oklahoma, serves as a stark reminder that even within our own communities, there are dangers, injustices, and pressures that threaten the safety and well-being of marginalized individuals. The March 14 edition of the New York Times, published “[a] medical examiner’s report said that the teenager had been found with a “combined toxicity” of diphenhydramine, an antihistamine commonly used for allergies, and fluoxetine, a drug often used to treat depression.” Let us not forget the cause of Nex’s death highlights the harsh reality faced by transgender and nonbinary students, particularly those from indigenous backgrounds, who often confront discrimination, harassment, and violence in their daily lives.

For transgender and nonbinary students, the events leading to Nex's death may evoke feelings of fear, vulnerability, and uncertainty about their own safety. It lays bare the harsh truth that despite progress in LGBTQ+ rights, there are still profound challenges and dangers that must be addressed. It is a sobering reminder that we have much work to do to ensure that all students feel safe, valued, and respected in their schools and communities.

In the face of these tragedies, it is imperative that we come together as a community to support and uplift one another. We must listen to the voices of transgender and nonbinary students, validate their experiences, and take meaningful action to create inclusive environments where they can thrive without fear of violence or discrimination.

Let us honor the memory of Nex Benedict by committing ourselves to building a world where all students, regardless of their gender identity or background, can pursue their dreams without fear or prejudice. Together, we can create a future where every individual is valued, celebrated, and embraced for who they are.