Hundreds form human ‘barrier’ to protect Nex Benedict school from Westboro Baptist Church protest
Sign up for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
In a small town in Oklahoma, a protest by the Westboro Baptist Church outside Owasso High School was met with a powerful and overwhelming response from members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. The protest was in response to the tragic death of Nex Benedict, a gender non-conforming teenager who passed away last month after an altercation at the school.
Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old Two Spirit individual who used he/they pronouns, died on February 8th following an incident in a school bathroom the day before. While the official cause of death has not been confirmed, federal officials have opened an investigation into the school district amidst allegations that they failed to seek medical treatment for Benedict after the altercation.
On March 6th, the Westboro Baptist Church, known for their anti-LGBTQ+ views and controversial picketing tactics, gathered outside the school to stage a “public preaching.” Despite their efforts to spread anti-trans rhetoric and blame Benedict for his own death, their presence was dwarfed by the response from the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
More than 400 members of the LGBTQ+ community showed up to counter-protest, waving Pride flags and holding signs that read “Protect trans kids” and “You are loved.” The Parasol Patrol, a group dedicated to shielding children and young people from protesters, stood as a peaceful barrier between the hate of the Westboro Baptist Church and the students of Owasso High School.
Eli Bazan, co-founder of the Parasol Patrol, emphasized the importance of standing against hate and protecting the youth of Owasso. The community came together in solidarity to send a clear message that love will always prevail over hate, as Lance Preston, founding chief executive of Rainbow Youth Project, noted.
Preston commended the large presence of police officers at the protest, highlighting the swift and effective response to ensure the safety of all involved. The unity and resilience of the community in coming together to protect and uplift its youth was evident in the face of hate and division.
By choosing love and solidarity over hate, the residents of Owasso demonstrated their commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all. The response to the Westboro Baptist Church’s protest serves as a powerful testament to the strength and compassion of the community in standing up against intolerance and promoting acceptance and understanding.
The events that unfolded outside Owasso High School reflect a larger movement towards inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ individuals in communities across the country. In the face of adversity, unity and love prevailed, sending a clear message that hate has no place in our society.
Follow us on: Facebook for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
SEO keyword: Nex Benedict
