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Oklahoma superintendent wants $3.3 million to put 55,000 Trump Bibles in classrooms

Ryan Walters recently asked the Oklahoma Legislature for $3 million in the state Department of Education's 2026 budget request to purchase Bibles for schools. But not just any Bible.

James Inhofe, anti-LGBTQ+ former Republican senator, dead at 89

Inhofe, a Republican from Oklahoma, was a homophobe, transphobe, and denier of climate change.

Oklahoma official Ryan Walters institutes Christian indoctrination in public schools

He has mandated that all fifth- through 12th-grade students must study the Bible.

Parent arrested as Ryan Walters called 'bully and bigot' at Oklahoma meeting

The Oklahoma superintendent of public instruction has enraged many with his anti-LGBTQ+ stances.

5 questions for the 4 new queens of 'We're Here'

Season 4 stars Jaida Essence Hall, Sasha Velour, Priyanka, and Latrice Royale talk about what life is really like for LGBTQ+ folks in small town America — and why it's important to keep fighting extremist opposition.

Conservative ex-official warns of crisis in Oklahoma schools under anti-LGBTQ+ superintendent Ryan Walters

A former high-ranking official in the Oklahoma State Department of Education voiced deep concerns about the future of public schools, detailing systemic mismanagement and criticism of punitive measures taken against districts under his leadership.

An Owasso High School graduate is exposing anti-LGBTQ+ bullying after Nex Benedict's death

In the wake of transgender Indigenous teen Nex Benedict's death, a graduate of Owasso High School is accusing the administration of failing to prevent bullying.

Oklahoma voters recall white supremacist, reject supporters of Ryan Walters

The city of Enid voted out a white nationalist city council member, and Tulsa rejected school board candidates who supported Walters's threat of a state takeover of the city's public schools.

Outrage after Oklahoma education superintendent reframes Nex Benedict’s death without naming the teen

Ryan Walters, the far-right politician responsible for schools in the state, spoke about “woke mobs” and claimed conservatives were under attack.

Nex Benedict's autopsy report released

The long-awaited report about the death of the LGBTQ+ Oklahoma teenager was released Wednesday.

First Lady goes to bat for LGBTQ+ rights: 'They want to take our victories away, but we won’t let them'

Amidst a backdrop of protest and advocacy, Dr. Jill Biden highlights the ongoing battle for LGBTQ+ rights and remembers LGBTQ+ teen Nex Benedict.

Outrage after Oklahoma prosecutor declines charges in Nex Benedict bullying death

Adocates and community members are outraged that Stephen Kunzweiler, the Tulsa County district attorney, has decided not to pursue criminal charges in the death of the transgender teen.

District attorney won't bring charges in Nex Benedict's death, calls fight 'mutual combat'

The Tulsa County DA pointed to the state medical examiner's finding of suicide and said the fight the day before the trans student's death "was an instance of mutual combat."

'Free Mom Hugs' volunteer labeled 'groomer' by hate group. Here's how she responded.

After the co-founder of Moms for Liberty attacked a volunteer for supporting LGBTQ+ kids, the volunteer explains why she supports young queer people.

Toxicology experts say death from medications in Nex Benedict case ‘very, very uncommon’

Following the announcement that the teenager’s death was suicide through the combined toxicity of two common medications, The Advocate spoke with experts about the risks of these drugs.

President Biden addresses LGBTQ+ youth ‘suicide crisis’ in statement on Nex Benedict

President Joe Biden issued called attention to the teenager’s death and called for an end to bullying.

'Death by bullying' — teen’s suicide finding elicits anger and sadness among Oklahoma’s LGBTQ+ community

In the wake of the medical examiner's report, queer Oklahomans have called out the bullying Nex Benedict endured. “Even if it is a suicide, it’s still by bullying,” one person said.

Nex Benedict died by suicide, says Oklahoma medical examiner

The coroner’s report indicates that Benedict died from a toxic mix of diphenhydramine and fluoxetine.

In GOP-led states with anti-LGBTQ+ laws, school hate crimes quadruple: report

A recent analysis highlights the rise in incidents and the critical role of crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth in the wake of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

Owasso schools failed to protect Nex Benedict, say speakers at board meeting

The school board came in for a torrent of criticism at its first meeting since the trans student's death.