No ‘We’ in Violence

by Madison James & Fo Venne

**Disclaimer: This article contains a discussion of transphobic violence and suicide. If you are a student experiencing suicidal ideations. Please never hesitate to reach out to a school guidance counselor, loved one, or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; 988. 

On February 8th, Nex Benedict, an indigenous non-binary student, tragically passed away following an assault by three classmates at school. The incident occurred after Nex threw water on one of the girls who had made a derogatory remark about them, a response that was later questioned by authorities. This was one of many incidents as Nex had a history of being targeted by people at their school because of their gender identity. 

After this altercation, Nex was taken to the hospital to treat their injuries and shockingly as proved by an Owasso Police Department body cam interview, was advised not to file a report. The officer claimed that it would open up the family to legal liability. It would be a shame for any of the students to have to deal with a criminal situation for "something so minuscule."  However, after the Owasso Police Department released the autopsy, it was revealed that the medical examiner labeled Benedict's death as a suicide under probable cause by combined toxicity. Something so minuscule.

Statistics from organizations such as the Rainbow Youth Project USA and the Trevor Project shed light on the alarming rates of suicide and mental health struggles among LGBTQ+ youth. The Trevor Project reported that 45% of young LGBTQ+ people seriously considered suicide in 2021, with transgender and non-binary youth being the most affected. Additionally, LGBTQ+ youth of color face even higher rates of suicidal ideation and attempts compared to their white counterparts.

The tragic death of Nex Benedict serves as a stark reminder of the real-life consequences of transphobic violence and discrimination. From Christine Jorgensen's landmark sex reassignment surgery in 1952 to the present day, members of the transgender community have faced ongoing persecution and violence simply for being who they are. The fear of violence and discrimination permeates the lives of trans individuals, contributing to higher rates of mental health issues and suicidal behavior.

“With the death of Nex Benedict and many other transgender kids, I, for one, feel a lot more unsafe in my identity as a genderqueer person, which can affect my relationships with the people around me,” Elliot Foster, who identifies with he/she pronouns, expressed. After the countless deaths of transgender people, a sense of fear erodes a transgender person's sense of self-worth and belonging in society. People exposed to transphobic violence may decide to suppress their gender expression and hide their gender identity at work for fear of being targeted. Hate crimes essentially depict being Transgender as a dangerous way to live, something to be avoided, or else they will always have to live in fear. You shouldn't have to die in America for being a marginalized community.

“I also think that embracing trans people's identity is really important, like respecting people's names and pronouns,” an anonymous interviewee voiced when asked about how the community can help prevent transphobic violence. Something as ‘minuscule’ as respecting someone’s pronouns and identity can do so much in validating trans people. Not only is it affirming, but it creates environments where such respect is upheld and shows transphobic people that discrimination will not be tolerated.

As we commemorate Transgender Visibility Day annually on March 31st, it is imperative that we collectively work towards creating a safer and more inclusive environment for transgender and non-binary individuals. Initiatives like the MS. 447 GSA's awareness campaigns are crucial in fostering acceptance and support within our communities. Every week of March 31st, they aim to inform others of the diverse gender identities and work to foster support towards Trans individuals through pronouns stickers, and info cards. By advocating for transgender rights like this and challenging societal norms, we can strive toward a future where all individuals are valued.