It Gets Better will continue to fight for trans and gender non-confirming youth!
Hello John
Two days ago, It Gets Better launched the Trans Youth Deserve Better initiative to amplify a need for greater care of transgender and gender non-conforming youth among legislators, school officials, and people in positions of power. In their open letter, our Youth Voices were loud and clear—trans youth “just want to live.”
Yesterday, the Oklahoma Medical Examiner reported that Nex Benedict, the nonbinary teen from Owasso High School who was assaulted by students in a school restroom last month, died by suicide the following day — not of their head injuries, as previously suspected. Our hearts go out to Nex’s family and friends as they receive and process this news.
Activists, non-profit leaders, and a national community of other concerned allies have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of details in the medical examiner’s report, and we support calls for increased transparency and more thorough reporting in this investigation. But make no mistake — this tragic situation can be directly linked to the effects of bullying, unfettered vitriol and hate speech, and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
It Gets Better will continue to fight in their honor and in support of trans and gender non-conforming youth across the country who deserve to feel safe and affirmed, at home and at school. Who deserve to have policies and legislation that protect and support them. Who deserve to grow up thriving instead of fighting for survival.
If you believe Trans Youth Deserve Better, it is time to stand up and let it be known. You can start by learning more about trans and gender non-conforming youth, through the lens of those who are living that experience. Read the open letter, penned by the LGBTQ+ youth who, in defiance of a world that threatens to silence them, are standing up for their peers.
