About 50 people of all ages showed up to a rally in Oak Harbor in support of gay youths and to demand justice for Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old trans student who, on Feb. 8, died a day after being attacked by his peers at Owasso High School in Oklahoma.

Though Benedict’s cause of death is still under investigation, many people believe he died as a result of the head injuries caused by the altercation, the last of a series of alleged bullying episodes targeting Benedict for being gender-nonconforming.

According to various news reports, the school did not call an ambulance or report the attack to the police and suspended Benedict for two weeks, further fueling public outrage and demands for accountability.

The protesters had all been gathered by Jasper Taylor, who, upon learning about Benedict’s death, was reminded of the fear he felt back when he attended school.

Taylor, who turned 21 the day of the protest, said the community in Oak Harbor can be both very liberal and very conservative.

Just as he said that, a man revved the engine of his pickup truck while waiting for the traffic light to turn green. While many cars that drove by the corner of Pioneer Way and Highway 20 honked in support of the protest, many drivers loudly manifested their disapproval.

“It can be really negatively impactful on trans students to feel or know that a portion of their own town and community is actively hostile to them,” Taylor said.

Other participants, like Felix Kehl, agreed that transphobia is common on Whidbey Island while acknowledging the presence of allies. He believes it’s important to create a safe environment for the island’s gay youth.

Finn Spragg, a 16-year-old trans teen, was deeply impacted by Benedict’s death and fears for the safety of his trans friends and his own.

“This protest is very important because it shows the community that we’re here and that we matter and that, even though we’re scared, we’ll still stand up for ourselves,” he said.

When Kai Joy, another young trans man, found out about Benedict’s death, he could not stop crying while scrolling through social media.

Joy alleged he has been misgendered and harassed on multiple occasions and knows people who are afraid of coming out. To him, people shouldn’t be scared to be their true selves.

Lisa Toomey expressed concern at the high depression and suicide rates among gay youths as more anti-LGBTQ bills are introduced and passed.

“This is a mental health care issue,” she said.

Tom and Michelle Johnson joined the protest to support the trans members of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Oak Harbor and queer students attending school in Oak Harbor.

“I just hope more and more people understand that it’s important to end discrimination against trans kids and to support them in their journey,” said Tom Johnson, who is a member of the church’s council. “It’s hard enough as it is.”

Eight-year-old Rebecca Anderson was among the youngest protesters, accompanied by her parents.

“Things need to change in this world,” she said. “Everybody should be treated equally.”

About 50 people showed up at the corner of Highway 20 and Pioneer Way in response to the death of Nex Benedict, a trans student who died last month a day after being attacked in a school bathroom. (Photo by Luisa Loi)

As people held signs and flags in support of trans youths, many drivers honked their cars or revved their engines. (Photo by Luisa Loi)

Jasper Taylor, who organized the event, gave a speech to the protesters. (Photo by Luisa Loi)