Matthew Shepard

  Matthew Shepard (Dec 1 1976 – Oct 12, 1998) An Ingenious New Project: An International Performance of The Laramie Project Epilogue   by Barry Eitel On Monday, October 12 th , I witnessed a mixed group of Loyola and Northwestern students perform a staged reading of Tectonic Theatre Project ’s newest effort— The Laramie Project Epilogue . The modest audience consisted of faculty and students of both universities as well as a few theatre professionals. In an innovative new take on theatre, however, we were one part of a giant machine. The coolest aspect of the whole evening was the fact that our ... Read Full Story

On October 10, the 10th anniversary of her son's death, Judy Shepard received the Human Rights Campaign's first Edward M. Kennedy Award. The award is named for the legendary late senator, a champion of gay rights, and honors “a unique and valued leader” in the community. Here, Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), son of the late senator, gives the award to Judy and Dennis. Judy heads the Matthew Shepard Foundation and leads the “Campaign to Erase Hate,” making it her mission to “replace hate with understanding, compassion, and acceptance.” She is also the New York Times best-selling author of The Meaning of Matthew: My Son’s ... Read Full Story

In a case of better late than never, the U.S. Senate passed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr., Hate Crimes Act which now goes to President Obama for signature into law. There are those who object to hate crimes legislation in general, but if hate crimes are going to specifically protect citizens based on other motives for discrimination, then the LGBT community deserves the same enhanced protections. I am sure the homo-hating extremists of the Christian Right will be wetting themselves while in a crazed frenzy over the Act's passage, but it speak volumes that they have never suggested that they not receive ... Read Full Story

Dennis and Judy meet the President at his Inauguration in January. One of the many pens used by the President to sign the legislation. Photos: Logan Shepard Read Full Story

Yesterday, the United States Senate took an historic step toward ensuring justice for the victims of hate crimes targeted for violence due to their sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability. By voting overwhelmingly to extend to these often-targeted Americans our nation’s decades-old bias crime legislation, senators sent the message that hate crimes will not go unpunished, and local governments and law enforcement agencies will not run out of financial resources to provide justice to these victims and their loved ones. [ The Matthew Shepard Foundation via Joe.My.God ] Read Full Story