Today is the 22nd anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s passing.
Matthew Shepard was a gay college student in Wyoming. He was at a bar with two men who lured him into a false sense of security by pretending to be gay as well. They got him into their truck before beating him brutally and leaving him for dead. The two men were sentenced to life sentences after the crime. The death of Matthew Shepard and the events following his death caused national outrage. It brought attention to the issues gay people faced in the nation.
The death of this young gay man is a profound moment in our history as Americans and as queer people. And it highlights an issue that is still prevalent today, 22 years later.
Shepard’s parents, especially his mother, have become huge activists for the queer community following this. With this being the anniversary of his death, we at Beloved Arise are sending prayers and comfort her way as she faces today.
Always remember. Oct. 7, 1998.
