in imageI keep thinking of Nex Benedict stumbling out of
that bathroom. Every Queer knows why the school
didn't call an ambulance or the cops. How fast
would the cavalry be if the blonde homecoming
queen got jumped 3 to 1?
We can trace this to anti-Trans laws and
the
damaged b-tch over at Libs of TikTok, to "the
rhetoric"...but these deaths are so much older. Our
school system has rarely been "safe" for Queers. I
was Nex's age when my bully outed me in front of
the entire class. "He's a f-ggot and we all know it."
My teacher just stood there and shrugged like it
was my fault. Now I have to act shocked and
outraged, call this a "wakeup call" so more straight
people give a sh-t. What I am is numb. Another
one. Another reminder that Queer culture was
built on concussions.
1/2
Leo Herrera
@herreraimages

in imageIve forgiven the teacher who let me fend off my
bully alone, even if I can trace Nex's death to him
too. I'll even forgive the 3 children in that bathroom
who just ruined their lives. I don't have time for
them today. I'd rather remember my other teacher.
The "bachelor" who read us poetry. Who, thinking
he was alone in the classroom one day, got into a
sweet argument on the phone with his "roommate"
about what couch to buy. How he whispered "We
can talk about it when I get home?" Who pulled me
aside atter my grandfather died to say "Crying is
not a weakness.'
Nex's death sits in our tummy next to memories of
child violence. Maybe this will spark some change.
America needs sweet-faced sacrificial lambs to
care about Queers. Ask Matthew Shepard's ghost.
As we struggle through rage and numbness,
remember a teacher who helped you survive.
Thank them in your mind.
War should make us grateful as well as angry.
2/2
Leo Herrera
@herreraimages

in imagegemini two moods
@glossy_zodiac
not talking at all
oversharing®
@gllossy_zodiac

in imageTexas Hold Em (on
repeat) hits different
when biking through
Nashville at sunset.
Beyoncé becomes
first Black woman
to top Billboard country
music chart
(Washington Post illustration
oni/Reuters
@poststyle and @washingtonpost