Oklahoma students walk out after trans student’s death to protest bullying policies
After the death of Nex Benedict, classmates at Owasso High School say bullying often goes unpunished, causing students to feel like there’s no point asking for help.
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This whole thing has me really fired up. I grew up in Oklahoma. My wife went to that high school. We can't say we're surprised what with all the politics going on there, but I wish there was more we could do than donate and vote. It doesn't feel like enough.
If you’re cis, speak up. I know it doesn’t sound like a lot but a lot of transphobia perpetuates by claiming all cis people feel that way. People are more likely to listen to peers about how fucked up this whole situation is including adults condoning a child’s death
Then be a pain in their ass. Put a banner up ready for students to see on their way to school. Put the school administrators on fucking blast. Talk to the media and share the reasons why you ain't surprised. Be the thorn they wish they could unstick from their side.
I almost wish I was still in Oklahoma so I could be a bigger thorn in their side. I'll see what I can do...
There are still ways to be a pain remotely. If you're on Facebook, go to local groups, especially those related to the school. And you can still contact their local press.
Voting is the most effective way for the general populace to make a difference. Unfortunately with the way we segregate representation, it's very difficult to have any kind of effect on places you don't exist in.
The next best thing is speaking up. Taking with people, socializing and standing up for what you believe in. Engage with people, and empathize with them. Even the people who spout hate and fear. Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, they're only spewing that vitriol because they've never known anything else. Showing them something different in a way that isn't combative or competitive won't necessarily change their minds right away... but it's going to do a hell of a lot more than shouting in their face that they're wrong.
Most of all... understand that change is hard. And people will suffer because of it. And honestly... there's not much you can do about that. It will hurt. A lot. But the worst thing you can do is let it embitter you. Because it's as good as giving up.
