10/12/2026
🕯️Who was Matthew Shepard?
Described by friends and family as kind and easy to talk to, Matthew Shepard was a college student and victim of one of the most notorious anti-gay hate crimes in American history. His memorial service garnered immense national and international media attention, which brought Matt’s story to the forefront of the fight against bigotry and hate. Just over a decade later (in 2009), the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act—a federal law against bias crimes directed at le***an, gay, bisexual, or transgender people—was passed.
The life and death of Matthew Shepard changed the way we talk about, and deal with, anti-LGBTQ+ hate in the United States. Since his death, Matt’s legacy has challenged and inspired millions of individuals to replace hate with understanding, compassion, and acceptance.
Today we remember Matthew Shepard, and share gratitude for our friends at Matthew Shepard Foundation, who continue to do such critical work in his honor.
Matthew, you are gone but never forgotten. 🕯🌈
