Tag: Matthew Shepard
11 Years Later… Matthew Shepard Remembered
by SAB on Oct.12, 2009, under Opinion
Over 100 different performances of the play The Laramie Project will be performed across the nation this week in remembrance of Matthew Shepard, a gay man who was savagely murdered 11 years ago. The play was created shortly after Matthew’s murder and was based upon interviews of people who knew him or were involved in his murder investigation. It’s pretty powerful stuff, so if you’re an easy crier bring some kleenex.
Often people who become symbols of a cause can seem a little less human – I think he’s remembered more for his death than his life. Some things you might not know about Matthew’s life:
“Matthew Shepard was born in Casper, Wyoming to Judy Peck and Dennis Shepard. He attended Natrona public schools including Crest Hill Elementary School and Dean Morgan Junior High School. He later attended Natrona County High School from his freshman to sophomore year, before transferring to The American School in Switzerland. After graduating from high school in 1995, he attended Catawba College and Casper College before he relocated to Denver. Shepard then became a first-year political science major at the University of Wyoming and was chosen as the student representative for the Wyoming Environmental Council.
He was described by his parents as “an optimistic and accepting young man [who] had a special gift of relating to almost everyone. He was the type of person who was very approachable and always looked to new challenges. Matthew had a great passion for equality and always stood up for the acceptance of people’s differences.”
Because of his sexuality, Shepard faced physical and verbal abuse. In 1995, during a high school trip to Morocco, he was beaten and raped, causing him to withdraw and experience bouts of depression and panic attacks, according to his mother. One of Shepard’s friends feared his depression caused him to become involved with drugs during his time in college.”
Critics have tried to draw the hate out from the crime, saying drugs had more to do with it than homophobia… which I personally doubt. Even if drugs were involved it’s pretty clear homophobia was a factor. Either way it tarnishes Shepard’s memory and that’s a shame.
It’s pretty clear history is going to proclaim him a martyr for gay rights. Let’s not forgot that he was a real person as well. A kind human being with thoughts and feelings, people he loved and people who loved him.
