Contributor

Judy Shepard

Guest writer

In October 1998, Judy and Dennis Shepard lost their 21 year-old son, Matthew, to a murder motivated by anti-gay hate. Matthews death moved many thousands of people around the world to attend vigils and rallies in his memory. Determined to prevent others from suffering their sons fate, Judy and Dennis decided to turn their grief into action and established the Matthew Shepard Foundation to carry on Matthews legacy. The Foundation is dedicated to working toward the causes championed by Matthew during his life: social justice, diversity awareness & education, and equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. Judy also authored a 2009 memoir, The Meaning of Matthew, exploring the familys journey through the prosecution of Matthews assailants, the ensuing media coverage, and their continuing work to advance civil rights.

July 25, 2018

Opinion | My Sons Killer Claimed 'Gay Panic' Made Him Do It. Never Again.
October 12, 2017

19 Years After Our Son Matthew Shepard's Murder, We Stand Stronger Than Ever
February 2, 2016

'Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine,' and My Son
February 2, 2016

15 Years Without Matt, and the Road Forward

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February 2, 2016

Creating Matt's Legacy
May 25, 2011

Judge Walker's Prop 8 Verdict Moves America Closer to its Ideals
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