Matthew Shepard

Matthew Shepard was a young gay man who became an important figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. He was born in 1976 in Wyoming, USA, and gained recognition after his brutal murder in 1998.

Matthew Shepard was beaten, tortured, and left to die on October 6, 1998, in Laramie, Wyoming. He was picked up by two men who pretended to befriend him but ultimately targeted him due to his sexual orientation. Matthew's injuries were so severe that he succumbed to them on October 12, 1998.

Matthew Shepard's murder sparked national and international outrage, and it became a turning point in the fight against hate crimes and for LGBTQ+ rights. It brought attention to the prevalence of hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community and led to the passing of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in 2009.

Matthew Shepard was targeted by his murderers solely because of his sexual orientation. They believed that targeting a gay man would be seen as a way to assert their heterosexuality and masculinity. His murder was motivated by hate, ignorance, and prejudice.

The Matthew Shepard Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by Matthew's parents, Dennis and Judy Shepard, following his murder. The foundation works to support, advocate for, and educate the public about LGBTQ+ equality, diversity, and acceptance. It strives to ensure that hate crimes are eradicated and promotes a safer, more inclusive society.