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oklahoma community

Oklahoma politician roasts Ryan Walters for Nex Benedict’s death to transphobic superintendent’s face

Sean Cummings said that the superintendent of public instruction and Chaya Raichik of Libs of TikTok are to blame for creating an environment in the state rife for bullying.

Oklahoma High School’s atmosphere of bullying exposed in wake of Nex Benedict’s death

Former and current students complain that they are subjected to bullying with little to no intervention by Owasso school officials.

I Went to Pride in the Bible Belt. It Was a Revelation.

Coastal LGBTQ people are doing themselves a disservice by not experiencing "fly-over country," writes Jennifer Williams.

Gay Characters in 'Wombats,' 'Clifford' 'Indoctrinate' Kids, Says Oklahoma Gov. After Vetoing Public TV Funds

Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt tries to justify his veto of funding for the state's largest public TV operation.

Federal investigation opens into Owasso Public Schools after death of Nex Benedict

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has initiated an investigation into the Oklahoma school district where the 16-year-old sophomore went to school and was bullied before his death.

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How you can make bathrooms safer for trans and nonbinary people

Data shows that even in states with trans-friendly policies, transgender and nonbinary people report high rates of harassment in public bathrooms. Advocates say everyday people can have a big impact in interrupting discrimination in gendered restrooms.

Sit Down: Islamophobes Trying to Fit Orlando Into Narrative

There's a religion in America with way too much influence over LGBT lives. It isn't Islam.

'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.

Transgender Woman Murdered in Oklahoma City

Brooklyn BreYanna Stevenson, 31, was found dead Monday morning.

United We Stand Centers Queer Stories From Least LGBTQ-Friendly Places

The videos from Tourmaline and creative agency RanaVerse give voice to LGBTQ+ narratives in five of the least queer-friendly locales in the country.

Nex Benedict’s tragic death further proves that Oklahoma is not OK

One activist spent time in the area following the tragedy, and while the local LGBTQ+ community remains strong — so does its opposing forces.

Black LGBTQ+ youth need spaces that embrace them fully, researchers say

Two recent reports detail the challenges they face and provide a roadmap for services that acknowledge their intersecting identities.

How you can support queer and trans kids in Oklahoma after Nex Benedict’s death

Donate, volunteer, write a letter to trans kids: There are lots of ways for you to turn your grief into action.

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.

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

The death of a nonbinary teen who was beaten in a restroom has brought the state's policies into sharp focus.

Oklahoma City Man Murdered During Sexual Encounter

Isaac Herrera was stabbed to death this week, reportedly during a sexual encounter with another man.

Oklahoma official Ryan Walters institutes Christian indoctrination in public schools

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

Families With Trans Kids Sue Over Oklahoma Ban on Gender-Affirming Care

The suit comes one day after Gov. Kevin Stitt signed the measure into law.

What Owasso police, school and Oklahoma’s chief medical examiner have said about Nex Benedict’s death

Owasso police shared a new statement with The Advocate about Nex's death and media reports about what happened.

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