As an LGBTQ resident of Oklahoma, I am deeply disturbed and frightened by the public remarks made by our representative, Tom Woods. His derogatory comments labeling LGBTQ individuals as "filth" have not only caused emotional harm but also foster a hostile environment that threatens our safety. This issue became tragically personal when Nex Benedict, a nonbinary 16-year-old student in Owasso public schools, was killed in a hate crime.

This incident is not isolated. According to the FBI's 2019 Hate Crime Statistics report, hate crimes based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity accounted for nearly 20% of all reported hate crimes in the United States (FBI.gov) despite making up just 7% of the population. It is unacceptable that such prejudice exists within our society and even more so within our leadership.

Tom Woods' harmful rhetoric contributes to this climate of fear and intolerance. His words are not just offensive; they are dangerous and incite violence against vulnerable communities like ours.

We demand his immediate resignation from his position as representative. We deserve leaders who will stand up for all citizens regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Please sign this petition to show your support for equality and respect for all Oklahomans. Together we can send a clear message that bigotry has no place in our state's leadership or anywhere else.