October, 12, 2013 was the 15th anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s death, one of the highest profile anti-gay hate crimes in history. His mother, Judy Shepard, will speak at the College of Charleston on October 21, 2013 at 7 p.m. in the Stern Center ballroom. This event is free and open to the public.
[Related: Read Judy’s October 12, 2013 Huffington Post article.]
On the night of October 6, 1998, Matthew was targeted because he was gay, then was abducted and beaten in Laramie, Wyoming. He died six days later. Matthew’s family turned tragedy into a crusade for justice, establishing the Matthew Shepard Foundation and advocating for the passage of the Matthew Shepard Act, which expanded federal hate-crimes legislation to include sexual orientation. The legislation was signed into law in October 2009.
The Matthew Shepard Foundation website says, “The life and death of Matthew Shepard changed the way we talk about, and deal with, hate in America. Since his death, Matt’s legacy has challenged and inspired millions of individuals to erase hate in all its forms.”
This event is sponsored by the Office of Student Life, Cougar Activities Board, Women’s and Gender Studies, New Student Programs, Housing and Residence Life, and the Alliance for Full Acceptance.
[Related: College of Charleston Safe Zone program.]
The College of Charleston Office of Student Life will also host screenings of two films related to Matthew Shepard.
On October 17, 2013 at 12 p.m., The Laramie Project (2001) will be shown in room 206 of the Stern Center. The film provides insight into the thoughts and opinions of residents of Laramie, Wyoming as well as re-enacted excerpts from the trials of the two men that were charged with the murder of Matthew Shepard.
On October 22, 2013 at 12 p.m. and October 23, 2013 at 6 p.m., Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine (2012) will be shown in room 206 of the Stern Center. The documentary, made by Matthew’s high school friend Michele Josue, includes interviews with family members and friends and helps humanize Shepard beyond the news reports and a name associated with a foundation.
About Judy Shepard
Judy Shepard has spoken to more than a million people worldwide, including addressing the United Nations and a hate crimes conference in the Polish Parliament. Speaking from a mother’s perspective, Judy Shepard has made the prevention of hate crimes and the acceptance of diversity the focus of her efforts, and urges her audiences to make their schools and communities safe for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, race, sex, religion, or gender identity and/or expression. She became a New York Times Best Selling author in 2009 when she shared her memories of Matt in her book, The Meaning of Matthew: My Son’s Murder in Laramie, and a World Transformed.
For more information about the events at the College of Charleston, contact Susan Payment at payments@cofc.edu.
