The mother of a 21-year-old man bludgeoned to death while tied to a fence, Judy Shepard has done more to put a face on hate crimes legislation than any Gay Inc. organization ever could. And now she’s written a book about the terror and loss — that needs to be sent with a personalized note to every member of Congress.
Shepard, who makes some 50 speeches a year (at a price of up to $20,000), has long been advocating for hate crimes legislation to protect sexual and gender identity. Not that such a law would have saved her son Matthew.
In her new book The Meaning of Matthew: My Son’s Murder in Laramie, and a World Transformed (read an excerpt here), Judy relives her son’s life up until that fateful early morning in 1998. From what we’ve seen, it’s a touching read. Deep down, we hope people can’t identify with it.
But the release of Judy’s book doesn’t quell the anger felt when remembering United States legislators have tried, and failed, to pass hate crimes protections five times since 1997, and continue to bow out because religious conservatives manage to spray their message that such a law would prohibit their right to advocate hatred. We’re on the cusp, again, and yet nothing feels certain.
How about we take this to the next level?
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Ms. Shepard is a trailblazer. A friend to the community. As impacted as the rest of us because of America’s remaining anti-gay sentiments. And while we wouldn’t expect any single woman to carry a movement, Judy is the type of ally we need: Identifiable, wholesome, and spirited. How many Shepards, and Sirdeander Walkers, will we need, then, to convince our representatives in Washington that discrimination is alive and well, and we deserve to be protected?
schlukitz
What a brave and determined woman Judy is. How fortunate we are to have her as an ally.
Kudos to her. I hope that she knows that she has the heartfelt appreciation of the entire LGBT community.
Rick
Judy, you are light from GOD. No one can understand what your son went through during his life and the last day of his life. I’m so proud that you are taking the steps you have.
This is a prayer I try to say several times a day. Matthew is with GOD and is looking at your work, and is waiting for that day when you get to see each other again.
I wrap the White Light of Jesus Christ around me, any evil vibration, thought, work or deed sent to me , I bless and return to the sender.