🚨 What we know about Nex Benedict's death

Plus, a Missouri city is protecting its LGBTQ+ residents Hi all, ❤️ The week has been a hard one for the [LGBTQ]( community as we learn more about what happened to nonbinary 16-year-old Nex Benedict. The straight-A student was in a fight at school earlier this month with a few other students. A day later they died. Authorities say Nex's death did not result from physical trauma, but questions remain about the fight and what caused Nex's passing. The situation has been highlighted across the country, and it's even resulted in a surge of calls for [mental health support to LGBTQ+ youth crisis groups](. 🚨 The Advocate will continue to cover Nex's story and push for the answers to the questions that remain. 🚨 🌈 [Columbia, Mo.]( has voted to make the city a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people — and that's even with Missouri Republicans working to pass anti-LGBTQ+ legislation after they've already passed plenty. "The City Council affirms that being LGBTQ is not a disorder, disease, illness, deficiency or shortcoming and commits to finding ways to improve social outcomes for LGBTQ Columbians," a new ordinance reads. Rock on, Columbia. ✨ 🎬 Drive-Away Dolls, [the lesbian road trip thriller comedy you need in your life]( is finally in theaters this weekend. The film's stars have said it's a fun movie that is forward-thinking and hilarious. “When we’re talking about underrepresented communities, I personally would just want to get to the place where we’re just allowed to be as ridiculous and silly and fun and free as the majority,” star Geraldine Viswanathan told The Advocate in a recent interview. “I’m excited for this movie to be a part of the conversation and part of [the] canon of queer movies.” See you on Saturday, Alex Cooper [What we know about Oklahoma nonbinary teen Nex Benedict’s tragic death]( [As Missouri lawmakers continue attacking LGBTQ+ rights, one city is taking a stand against hate]( [In Oklahoma, a bathroom law and other policies endanger transgender residents]( [Oklahoma police say bullied nonbinary teen Nex Benedict ‘did not die as a result of trauma’]( [Lux Pascal, Pedro Pascal's trans sister, to star in upcoming thriller 'Summer War']( [Greek politicians lose their minds over Alexander the Great's gay romance in Netflix show]( [Youth mental health crisis calls in Oklahoma skyrocket after Nex Benedict’s death]( [Family planning and fertility services grind to halt in Alabama after devastating ruling]( [West Virginia Republicans want to prosecute 'pedophile librarians' over 'obscene' material]( Look, a hint! Each week, The Advocate newsletter has a little bit of LGBTQ+ trivia. Tuesday, you'll get the question. Today, you'll get a hint. And Saturday, you'll get the answer. This week's question is: What acclaimed book by George M. Johnson has been banned across the U.S. for its overtly queer themes? This week's hint is: The book was optioned for television by Gabrielle Union. Reply to this email with the answer and you may get a shout-out in a future newsletter! What should you also be reading: - [Avatar: The Last Airbender isn't just great, it’s required watching for parents of queer kids]( (Pride) - [Gay X-Men fans are freaking out over hunky Hercules and twinky Iceman on a new comic cover]( (Pride) - [These pics prove 'Dune: Part Two' had the most stylish press tour in cinema history]( (Out) - [Beyoncé's country renaissance embraces the genre's Black roots]( (Out) Do you know someone who would like to receive The Advocate newsletter? Share it with them! [Click to email a link to your friends]( Keep up with the latest LGBTQ+ news -- from politics to entertainment to opinions from queer voices. The Advocate is part of [equalpride]( a proudly LGBTQ-owned and operated media company that serves as a leading voice on equality with LGBTQ, women and people of color. Follow us [X]( [Facebook]( [Facebook]( Copyright © 2024 equalpride. All rights reserved. PO Box 241579, Los Angeles, CA 90024 [Privacy policy]( [Terms of use](