Hey fam, it's me, I'mara.

Welcome to the Translash podcast, a show where we tell trans stories to save trans lives.

But we're going to have a tough conversation for many of you today, so do what you need to to take care of yourself.

Today we're focusing on the aftermath of Next Benedict's death in Oklahoma and what it's doing to the people that live there.

Of course, we know that Next's death did not occur in a vacuum.

It occurred in a state which has created an incredibly hostile atmosphere for trans youth. In fact,

Nex's guardian has told the newspaper, The Independent, that the bullying at the school, which led to the tragedy,

began after Oklahoma Governor Kevin Sitt signed a bill that forbids trans youth from using the bathroom

that aligns with their gender. Sit then went on to ban gender affirming care in 2023,

and there have overall been 60 anti-trans bills

that have already been introduced in the state this year,

some of them even more draconian and harsh

than those that have already been passed.

So today I want to talk with two people on the ground about what's happened in the state

since Nexus passing and what they're doing in Oklahoma to protect the lives and rights

of trans and two-spirit kids in their state.

First, I'll get an inside look into the workings of the Oklahoma House of Representatives

and its impact on families from state representative Jacob Rosecrans.

We were attacked online by a local city council member

whenever I was fighting against the transgender bathroom bill

for transgendering my kid is what this guy said.

Next I'm joined by a researcher and advocate, Amy McGeehee, who shares what it's like to directly support queer kids in Oklahoma and the people who love them during this trying time.

...