Can you imagine the profound impact of losing a child, and simultaneously choosing to transform that pain into a global drive for change? Our journey today is a deeply moving and powerful one as Brad sits with Judy Shepard, the courageous mother of Matthew Shepard, whose tragic murder laid the groundwork for a significant advancement for LGBTQ+ rights. Join them in this intimate conversation as they walk through the haunting night of Matthew’s demise, the worldwide response it ignited, and the inspiring resilience of a mother’s love leading to seismic shifts in societal attitudes.
In our candid conversation, we delve into how Matthew’s horrifying end lit the fire of advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, instigating the creation of the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Judy generously shares her story of transforming personal loss into a powerful force for change, fueled by the contributions of thousands and ironically bolstered by anti-gay protesters. We explore the Foundation’s ongoing work since the enactment of the Matthew Shepard James Bird Federal Hate Crime Prevention Act in 2009, and its unremitting advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.
This episode concludes with a heartwarming discourse on the power of love and the necessity of offering support to those around us. We invite you to accompany us on this emotional journey, a celebration of Matthew Shepard’s life and the monumental changes spurred by his untimely loss.
Mathew Shepard Foundation website
Foundation of Social Media:
Matthew Shepard is a Friend of Mine for sale or rent on Amazon Prime
The Celebration of Life and Interment of Matthew Shepard on YouTube
About Judy Shepard
Judy Shepard is changing hearts and minds by sharing the story of her son Matthew Shepard and highlighting the importance of standing up for the LGBTQ+ community. In October 1998, she lost her 21-year-old son Matt after he was brutally attacked, tied to a fence and left to die outside of Laramie,Wyoming. The horrific abduction would become one of the most notorious anti-gay hate crimes in American history. In the aftermath of Matt’s death, Judy and her husband Dennis started the Matthew Shepard Foundation to honor his life and aspirations. Inspired by the tragedy they endured, Judy has dedicated her life to making personal appearances across the country and around the world, sharing Matt’s story and inspiring individuals, organizations, and communities to embrace the dignity and equality of all people. As the parent of a child victimized by violence, Judy brings unparalleled authenticity and relevance to the impact of hate, while motivating us all to continue the fight to replace
hate with understanding, compassion and acceptance.
About this Episode
In a thought-provoking episode of our podcast “Queer We Are,” host Brad Shreve engages in an inspiring conversation with Judy Shepard, an influential figure in the fight for LGBTQ rights. Drawing upon her personal experiences and the tragic loss of her son, Matthew Shepard, Judy sheds light on the transformative impact Matt’s murder had on society. Join us as we delve into the power of voices against hate and the urgent need for activism and education to create a more inclusive world.
Awakening to Injustice:
Judy recounts how the heinous crime committed against her son woke up an entire nation to the atrocities faced by the LGBTQ community. Until then, the public’s knowledge of the community was confined to negative events such as the AIDS pandemic. Matt’s tragedy became an opportunity for people to understand the struggles and denied rights faced by the LGBTQ community, compelling them to question societal norms and demand change.
Positive Outcomes From Tragedy:
Despite the pain, Judy envisioned positive outcomes stemming from Matt’s loss. She believed that increased protection, education, and awareness would pave the way for a safer and more tolerant society. Consequently, she founded the Matthew Shepard Foundation, an organization committed to spreading LGBTQ awareness and addressing the issues faced by the community.
Milestone Achievements and Ongoing Struggles:
While significant progress has been made, Judy emphasizes that the fight for equality is far from over. She cites the passage of the Jamesburg Federal Hate Crime Prevention Act as a significant milestone, but highlights the remaining challenges such as job protections, military policies, and equal rights in marriage and public accommodation. Furthermore, she reveals that hate crime laws often fail to cover the LGBTQ community in certain states, including Wyoming, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and support.
Using Personal Tragedy to Create Change:
Judy shares her family’s decision to use their voices and experiences to make the world a better place for LGBTQ individuals. Amidst the thousands of letters and donations they received, they chose to establish a nonprofit organization on Matt’s birthday to support young people through scholarships and improve their lives. Despite initial challenges and a lack of a concrete plan, the foundation grew into a more established organization, enabling Judy to speak at colleges and businesses, spreading awareness and initiating change.
The Power of Collective Activism:
Judy stresses the importance of individual voices in combatting hate and championing equality. While haters may gain attention, their actions do not represent the majority. She expresses her strong opposition to efforts like “Moms for Liberty,” which aim to ban books and limit personal freedom. It is through vocal activism and voting that we can protect and empower future generations.
Preserving Matt’s Legacy:
To ensure Matt’s memory endures, Judy shares the journey of finding a final resting place for his ashes. After consulting with trusted advisors, including Bishop Robinson, the decision was made to inter Matt’s ashes in Washington National Cathedral, a place of inclusivity and acceptance. This symbolic act serves as a reminder that change begins with acceptance and understanding.
Conclusion:
Judy Shepard’s resilience and determination serves as an inspiration to us all. From the tragedy of losing her son, she has transformed her pain into a catalyst for change. As listeners of “Queer We Are,” it is our responsibility to honor those who have suffered and continue to fight for LGBTQ rights. Let us use our voices to create a more equitable and accepting society, where everyone can be their authentic selves without fear of discrimination.
