Dear John,

I’m heartbroken by the story of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old student in Oklahoma who died earlier this month after being attacked by a group of students in a school bathroom. Nex was bullied at school for being non-binary and using they/them pronouns.

Nex deserved so much better: To feel safe at school, to live a long, happy life, to reside in a state that protects LGBTQ+ youth from discrimination.

We must do more to protect trans kids. My heart goes out to this child’s family.

— Becca