Biden On Death Of Trans Teen Nex Benedict: ‘Bullying Is Hurtful And Cruel’

President Joe Biden has issued a statement addressing the death of Oklahoma trans teenager Nex Benedict, who reportedly died of suicide after being harassed and bullied for months just for being who they were. From the White House:

Jill and I are heartbroken by the recent loss of Nex Benedict. Every young person deserves to have the fundamental right and freedom to be who they are, and feel safe and supported at school and in their communities.

Nex Benedict, a kid who just wanted to be accepted, should still be here with us today.

Nonbinary and transgender people are some of the bravest Americans I know. But nobody should have to be brave just to be themselves.

In memory of Nex, we must all recommit to our work to end discrimination and address the suicide crisis impacting too many nonbinary and transgender children.

Bullying is hurtful and cruel, and no one should face the bullying that Nex did. Parents and schools must take reports of bullying seriously.

My prayers are with Nex’s family, friends, and all who loved them – and to all LGBTQI+ Americans for whom this tragedy feels so personal, know this: I will always have your back.

To LGBTQI+ young people across the country – you are loved exactly as you are. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or alone, you can call or text 988, the National Crisis Hotline, and dial the number ‘3’ to talk to a counselor who has been specifically trained to support LGBTQI+ youth.

Bolding is mine. https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1768356426336866602 As I reported yesterday, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Oklahoma issued a report concluding that Benedict died of suicide last month as a result of ingesting a lethal amount of antihistamines and antidepressants. I’ve seen several social media posts by far-right nuts who say Benedict’s suicide absolves anyone else of responsibility in his passing. They say Benedict “started” the physical altercation in a high school restroom that occurred the day before his death when he “poured water” on his bullies. “Poured water” on his bullies! Oh no! You know, in The Wizard of Oz, the witch melts when someone poured water on her. Has anyone checked on the three girls involved in the bathroom brawl? Witnesses have said one of the three girls involved in the alteration banged Benedict’s head on the floor to the point the school nurse recommended he get treated in an emergency room. To date, I haven’t heard any of the bullies who suffered “the pouring of the water” had go to the ER for treatment. It’s important to note that Benedict’s family members have said in several interviews that he was verbally harassed and bullied for months prior to the physical altercation in a high school restroom the day before he died. Whoever believes bullying doesn’t take it’s toll, especially on a teenager, they are seriously fooling themselves. Studies have shown LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. The Trevor Project’s 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People found that 41% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including roughly half of transgender and nonbinary youth. So, no – there is no absolution for those who badgered Nex Benedict for months for just trying to be who he was. They are indeed complicit in his death.