Op-Ed: 19 Years Ago Today Matthew Shepard Was Attacked and Left to Die
A Wound That Never Heals
This evening marks the sad 19th anniversary of the brutal murder of 21-year old Matthew Shepard. For his friends who loved him, it is a dull ache that never goes away. For his Mum, his Da, and his brother Logan, it is a wound that never heals.
The difference though as we mark this anniversary, is that instead of grieving and then letting time pass, his parents have led a fight to erase the very cause that led to Matt’s death. His death was a hate crime because he was gay, pure and simple.
10/6/98: Matthew Shepard left the Fireside Bar in Laramie, WY with the two men who would eventually kill him. Today we remember. pic.twitter.com/xpeLVmSaN2
— Matthew Shepard (@MattShepardFDN) October 6, 2017
Judy Shepard, Dennis Shepard, and Logan, along with the incredible staff of the organization founded in his name, work tirelessly to uplift the LGBTQI community, especially its youth. With their programs and symposiums, their lectures and presentations, they and the Matthew Shepard Foundation bring hope and healing. Often they bridge the gap in greater understanding of the LGBTQI community, erasing hate in its infancy before it has a chance to bloom.
On this anniversary, I ask folks to pause and reflect, then, if you can, generously donate to the foundation so that it may continue to bring its message of erasing hate and hope.
Thank you.
Brody Levesque is the Chief Political Correspondent for The New Civil Rights Movement.
You may contact Brody at Brody.Levesque@thenewcivilrightsmovement.com
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