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Matthew Shepard

When he was just 21, University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard was offered a ride home by two straight men. The violence that happened next shocked a nation into action. After being beaten, robbed, and tortured, he was left for dead in the wilderness where he lay tied to a fence for 18 hours before someone found him. He never regained consciousness. The media coverage of the attack and the trial--where the murderers tried explaining away their attack by saying Matthew tried to come on to them--awoke a nation to the reality of anti-LGBT hate crimes, and has since led to hate-crime legislation protecting queer Americans.

Matthew Shepard sandals displayed at the White House as part of the commemoration of LGBTQ Pride Month 2021 Shepard was a gay University of Wyoming student who was beaten tortured and left to die near Laramie WY in 1998
News

Principal who offered 'a Christian perspective' on Laramie Project staging has discrimination suit revived

The former assistant principal of a Colorado high school claims he was fired after offering "a Christian perspective" on a school play about the murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student.

Judy Shepard mother of murdered gay boy Matthew speaks onstage
News

Judy Shepard's Presidential Medal of Freedom hailed by LGBTQ+ rights groups 25 years after gay son’s murder

After the hate-fueled murder of her son, Matthew Shepard, more than two decades ago, she has advocated for the rights of LGBTQ+ people.

From 'Heather' to Harvey to Matthew Shepard, Lesléa Newman Chronicles Queer History
The Advocates

From 'Heather' to Harvey to Matthew Shepard, Lesléa Newman Chronicles Queer History

This author, and one of our Advocates of the Year, has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ history for over 30 years.

25 Years After Matthew Shepard's Killing, Lesléa Newman Helps Us Make Sense of It
History

25 Years After Matthew Shepard's Killing, Lesléa Newman Helps Us Make Sense of It

The author of Heather Has Two Mommies couldn't let this dark anniversary go unnoticed.

Dennis and Judy Shepard
Politics

Matthew Shepard’s Parents Have Harsh Words for Amy Coney Barrett

"People are people, and I would hate to think that you would reject one of your children because they happen to be gay," Judy Shepard said.

Matthew Shepard Memorialized With a Plaque at the National Cathedral
News

Matthew Shepard Memorialized With a Plaque at the National Cathedral

Hate crime victim's remains were interred there last year.

Judy and Dennis Shepard
Crime

Matthew Shepard's Parents Won't Be a 'Photo Op' to Hide Trump's Hate

Judy and Dennis Shepard reflect on the 10th anniversary of the hate-crimes law bearing their son's name, which is the subject of a new Oxygen special.

Matt Shepard's Parents Snub AG Barr: We Won't 'Kowtow to Hypocrisy'
Politics

Matt Shepard's Parents Snub AG Barr: We Won't 'Kowtow to Hypocrisy'

It's "hypocritical" for Barr to celebrate the hate-crimes law named for their son while supporting discrimination, Judy and Dennis Shepard said.

Judy and Dennis Shepard To Headline Miami Pride
Pride

Judy and Dennis Shepard to Headline Miami Beach Pride

Coming off of the 20th anniversary of the death of Matthew Shepard, his parents, Judy and Dennis, will be ally marshals of the event.

INTERMENT SERVICE
Society

Matthew Shepard Remembered in Emotional Interment Service

Shepard's ashes were interred today at the Washington National Cathedral.

Wyoming Fence
Voices

What's Changed and What Hasn't Since Matthew Shepard's Murder

It's easy to think the world has completely evolved since 1998; the truth is more nuanced.

Lesléa Newman
Voices

This Writer Will Be Forever Connected to Matthew Shepard

Fate brought Leslea Newman to Laramie, Wyo., just as Matthew Shepard was leaving this world.

Remembering Matthew Shepard
Crime
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play

Remembering Matthew Shepard's Story 20 Years Later

Former Advocate editor-in-chief Judy Wieder discusses what it was like covering the murder of Matthew Shepard. 

Washington National Cathedral
Religion

Matthew Shepard's Ashes to Be Interred at National Cathedral

The site will offer visitors an opportunity for reflection and provide protection from the desecration Matthew's family feared.

Matthew Shepard and HIV: A Complicated Legacy
Plus
HIV
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linkout

Matthew Shepard and HIV: A Complicated Legacy

Mathhew Shepard
Youth

Matthew Shepard's Parents Made Sure He Did Not Die in Vain

In the two decades since the gay college student's murder, his legacy lives on in the foundation started by Judy and Dennis Shepard. But there's still much left to do.

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Voices

Editor's Letter: The World Without Matthew Shepard

Judy and Dennis Shepard took their son's tragedy and built a foundation to make something good out of something so heartbreakingly tragic.

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Voices
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gallery

Behind the Scenes of Our Cover Shoot With Young LGBTQ Heroes

People like Tyler Oakley and musician Gio Bravo posed for a purpose as we close in on 20 years since Matthew Shepard's death.

Twenty Years later
Youth

Matthew Shepard's Children

A new generation fights for our rights 20 years after one of the nation's most infamous antigay hate crimes.