A note from President Markham

Most of the time, I keep the commentary very local. It is a vehicle to express gratitude, spread news, and communicate opportunities within GTS. But sometimes, there is a moment that forces me to want to raise an issue beyond our small community. This is one of those moments: today, I wish to reflect on the tragic death of Nex Benedict.

Nex Benedict was a native, nonbinary teenager living Owasso, Oklahoma, who died after being involved in a fight in a bathroom in their high school. The details are still emerging. But what is clear is that they were bullied; we also know that they saw the school authorities as utterly unsympathetic; and we also know that Oklahoma has become draconian in its insistence that bathroom use must correspond to the birth gender.

We also know from the Trevor Project (an organization dedicated to LGBTQ + youth suicide prevention) that in 2022 50% of non-binary and transgender youth considered suicide; naturally, living in a hostile environment becomes a significant factor in these feelings of depression and anxiety.

These are the things we know. At General Theological Seminary, we seek to honor those who are non-binary and transgender. And we weep for Nex Benedict; and we pray that the Church can provide an environment that is honoring, inclusive, and welcoming.