All black & white photos of Matthew on this site, including the banner photo, were taken by Gina van Hoof.
A Message from Judy Shepard
When Dennis and I started calling 10 years ago for federal action to prevent and properly prosecute hate crimes against gay, lesbian and transgendered Americans, we never imagined it would take this long.
The legislation went through so many versions and so many votes that we had to constantly keep our hopes in check to keep from getting discouraged. But with President Obama’s support and the continually growing bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate lining up behind the bill this year, it became clear that 2009 was the year it would finally happen.
We are incredibly grateful to Congress and the president for taking this step forward on behalf of hate crime victims and their families, especially given the continuing attacks on people simply for living their lives openly and honestly. But each of us can and must do much more to ensure true equality for all Americans.
Campaigning for hate-crimes legislation may be what I am known best for, but our family and the Matthew Shepard Foundation will continue to push for true equality for every American until the work is complete. Too many people face the threat of losing their jobs or their homes due to their sexual orientation. Too many same-sex couples lack legal protections for their property, their health care decisions, and their children. Too many devoted and dedicated servicemembers are being turned away by our armed forces.
I hope, as you reflect on the success of the hate crime prevention bill, that you also take the extra step of contacting your state and federal elected officials in support of full equality for all citizens, regardless of difference.
Be open about who you are and who you love. Dispel stereotypes and assumptions. Tell your stories. And support the continued work of the Matthew Shepard Foundation to "Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion, and Acceptance."
Thanks to all who helped us achieve this success today. You are making a difference.
Sincerely, Judy Shepard President, Board of Directors, Matthew Shepard Foundation
Judy Shepard on the Ellen DeGeneres Show!
Questions about your Online Order?
Due to overwhelming support as a result of Judy Shepard's appearance on the 'Ellen DeGeneres Show', we are now backordered on many of our popular items. All items ordered prior to October 13 have been shipped. Orders placed after October 13 will be sent out the second week of November. We appreciate your tremendous support and ask for your patience as we work to fulfill pending orders.
Judy Shepard’s Book Tour Continues with National Media Exposure
Foundation Board President Judy Shepard embarked in September on a two-month national book tour to promote her new book "The Meaning of Matthew: My Son’s Murder in Laramie, and a World Transformed," earning attention from several national media outlets.
The book recounts Judy and Dennis Shepard’s remarkable journey from being parents to becoming nationally recognized leaders for civil rights not only for gay and lesbian people but for all who are marginalized because of their perceived differences.
Appearing with Neal Conan on National Public Radio’s "Talk of the Nation" in an exclusive live interview and Q-and-A session, Judy Shepard recalled the shock her family experienced in becoming the subject of national and international interest, and their determination in the years since then to help people understand his true complexity as an individual.
In a print debut, USA Today caught up with Judy in Cheyenne, Wyoming, recently where she was addressing a victim’s rights conference. The newspaper’s account included a glimpse of the book, a reporter’s visit to Laramie, and a look at the ongoing debate over the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
Leading mass-market magazine Entertainment Weekly also chose The Meaning of Matthew as its book pick of the week. For much more coverage, visit the links below:
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Matthew Shepard Foundation Applauds American Psychological Association for Repudiating “Gay-to-Straight” Therapy
August 5, 2009 The Matthew Shepard Foundation applauds the American Psychological Association for its strongest statement yet warning therapists away from so-called “conversion” therapy to change individuals’ sexual orientations from gay to heterosexual.
The APA, meeting at its annual convention in Toronto, received a report from its Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation, finding that treatments which purport to portray homosexuality as an illness which can be corrected are not based on evidence and at most teach individuals to ignore their sexual attractions. The task force was formed in 2007 and examined 83 studies from nearly 50 years.
Stay Informed and Stay Involved in the fight to ERASE HATE by registering on the Matthew Shepard Foundation website today.
With your help we can continue our work to share Matthew's dream of replacing the hate in the world with understanding, compassion, and acceptance.
