02/22/24

Hi all,

❤️ The week has been a hard one for the LGBTQ+ community as we learn more about what happened to nonbinary 16-year-old Nex Benedict. The straight-A student was in a fight at school earlier this month with a few other students. A day later they died. Authorities say Nex's death did not result from physical trauma, but questions remain about the fight and what caused Nex's passing. The situation has been highlighted across the country, and it's even resulted in a surge of calls for mental health support to LGBTQ+ youth crisis groups. 🚨 The Advocate will continue to cover Nex's story and push for the answers to the questions that remain. 🚨

🌈 Columbia, Mo., has voted to make the city a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people — and that's even with Missouri Republicans working to pass anti-LGBTQ+ legislation after they've already passed plenty. "The City Council affirms that being LGBTQ is not a disorder, disease, illness, deficiency or shortcoming and commits to finding ways to improve social outcomes for LGBTQ Columbians," a new ordinance reads. Rock on, Columbia. ✨

🎬 Drive-Away Dolls, the lesbian road trip thriller comedy you need in your life, is finally in theaters this weekend. The film's stars have said it's a fun movie that is forward-thinking and hilarious. “When we’re talking about underrepresented communities, I personally would just want to get to the place where we’re just allowed to be as ridiculous and silly and fun and free as the majority,” star Geraldine Viswanathan told The Advocate in a recent interview. “I’m excited for this movie to be a part of the conversation and part of [the] canon of queer movies.”

See you on Saturday,

Alex Cooper

What we know about Oklahoma nonbinary teen Nex Benedict’s tragic death

via KJHR News 2 Oklahoma

As Missouri lawmakers continue attacking LGBTQ+ rights, one city is taking a stand against hate

facebook @mulgbtq

In Oklahoma, a bathroom law and other policies endanger transgender residents

Shealah Craighead/The White House; Shutterstock

Oklahoma police say bullied nonbinary teen Nex Benedict ‘did not die as a result of trauma’

Kasandra Phelps via GoFundMe

Lux Pascal, Pedro Pascal's trans sister, to star in upcoming thriller  'Summer War'

Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

Greek politicians lose their minds over Alexander the Great's gay romance in Netflix show

Netflix; Shutterstock

Youth mental health crisis calls in Oklahoma skyrocket after Nex Benedict’s death

Shutterstock; Courtesy Kasandra Phelps via GoFundMe

Family planning and fertility services grind to halt in Alabama after devastating ruling

Shutterstock

West Virginia Republicans want to prosecute 'pedophile librarians' over 'obscene' material

Shutterstock