EDMOND, OK – Kelby Johnson, a supervisor at Goodwill Industries International and a member of the Edmond, Oklahoma community. Kelby, who grew up in Tuttle, Oklahoma, and attended Tuttle High School, has died on 22nd January, 2025.
Kelby’s story is one of extraordinary bravery in the face of adversity. At the age of 15, he was relentlessly bullied for being queer in the deeply religious town of Tuttle. The harassment he endured was not only emotional but also physical, culminating in a horrifying incident where he was deliberately struck by a car. This brutal aggression shattered the promising future he once had as a top student and athlete. The isolation and pain he experienced not only estranged him from his community but also deeply affected his family.
Despite these challenges, Kelby emerged as a symbol of strength and resilience. He became one of the central subjects of the documentary Bully, a film that highlighted the struggles of young people facing harassment and violence. Through this film, Kelby found his voice and began a journey of advocacy that would change the lives of many. He became a key figure in the Bully Project, a movement that reached thousands of people, offering them hope and a sense of community. Kelby’s activism took him to the White House, where his powerful message resonated with leaders and activists alike. His work was not just about sharing his own experiences but about helping others navigate their own battles with bullying, discrimination, and identity.
Over the years, Kelby’s life evolved as he transitioned to live boldly and authentically as a trans man. This journey, while empowering, came with its own set of challenges. Kelby faced immense struggles with his mental health and chronic illness, battles that weighed heavily on him in recent years. While the exact cause of his death is still unknown, those close to him cannot ignore the hostile environment that many LGBTQ+ individuals, especially trans people, face today.
Living in Oklahoma, a state known for its conservative, often hostile stance toward LGBTQ+ rights, placed an unbearable burden on Kelby. The rise in political rhetoric aimed at diminishing the existence and rights of trans individuals added layers of stress and fear to his daily life. Kelby’s passing, just one day after the inauguration of Donald Trump, serves as a painful reminder of the toxic climate that many trans and queer people face in today’s world. It is a climate filled with threats, humiliation, and attempts to erase their very existence—a reality that Kelby bravely confronted every day.
Kelby’s passing is a loss not only to those who knew him personally but to the broader community that he touched through his advocacy. He was a powerful force for change, someone who made a difference every single day. His courage, kindness, and unwavering commitment to justice will never be forgotten.
To his family, closest friends, and all who were impacted by Kelby’s life, the world stands with you in your grief. Kelby Johnson’s life mattered. He was loved deeply, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who fight for a more compassionate and inclusive world.
Rest in power, Kelby. Your light will continue to shine in the hearts of those who knew you, and your bravery will forever be remembered.