Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard, a young man who was murdered outside of Laramie, Wyo., in 1998 for being gay, will speak about tolerance and equality in the Cox-Snow Recital Hall Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.
In response to her son’s death, Judy became an activist speaker. She visits schools, colleges and communities, encouraging them to foster a safe environment for all people. Her message focuses on the prevention of hate crimes. The talk mirrors messages of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, an organization founded by Judy and husband Dennis. Through educational and outreach activities, the foundation aims to promote tolerance, acceptance and diversity.
After her talk, Judy will host a reception and book signing. Copies of “The Meaning of Matthew: My Son’s Murder in Laramie, and a World Transformed,” are available at the Central College Bookstore or can be purchased during the reception.
Judy Shepard also advocates tolerance through other projects. She has appeared in two Human Rights Campaign advertisements and is actively involved with Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).
Matthew’s murder and the surrounding trials were featured prominently in national news coverage. In October 1998, he was taken to an isolated area outside of Laramie, beaten, tied to a fence and abandoned because he was gay. He died several days later in a hospital.
In November, Theatre Central performed “The Laramie Project,” a play based on the events surrounding Matthew’s murder.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Ann Wilkinson at 641-628-5234 or wilkinsona@central.edu.
