West Milford GLSEN

10/07/2023

10/07/2023

On October 7, 1998, Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old student at the University of Wyoming, was brutally attacked and tied to a fence in a field outside of Laramie, Wyoming and left to die. On October 12, Matt succumbed to his wounds in a hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado.

In the aftermath of Matt’s death, his parents, Judy and Dennis Shepard, started the Matthew Shepard Foundation to honor his life and aspirations. Inspired by the tragedy they endured, the initial purpose of the Foundation was to teach parents with children who may be questioning their sexuality to love and accept them for who they are, and to not throw them away.

Through their personal appearances across the country and around the world, Judy and Dennis Shepard are changing hearts and minds by sharing Matt’s story and highlighting the importance of standing up for the LGBT community.

Since our formation, the Foundation has helped pioneer the country’s first federal hate crimes legislation with the passing of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in 2009; provided hate crimes training to 1,060 law enforcement officers and 76 prosecutors since May 2017; created dialogue about hate and acceptance within communities around the world; and built a robust collection of resources to support the Laramie Project and other legacy works inspired by Matt’s story.

It is our sincerest hope that, one day, the Foundation may be able to close its doors. But the same hate and violence that sparked the Foundation’s formation still exists today, both at home and abroad. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure safety, visibility, and inclusiveness for the entire LGBT community until that ideal becomes reality.

The life and death of Matthew Shepard changed the way we talk about, and deal with, hate in America. Since 1998, Matt’s legacy has challenged and inspired mi...

09/26/2023

In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and le***an history, and gathered other teachers and community leaders. They selected October because public schools are in session and existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day (October 11), occur that month.

Gay and Le***an History Month was endorsed by GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Le***an Task Force, the National Education Association and other national organizations. In 2006 Equality Forum assumed responsibility for providing content, promotion and resources for LGBT History Month.

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Celebrate Our Heritage

The LGBT community is the only community worldwide that is not taught its history at home, in public schools or in religious institutions. LGBT History Month provides role models, builds community and makes the civil rights statement about our extraordinary national and international contributions.

How It Works LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of 31 le***an, gay, bisexual or transgender Icons. Each day in October, a new LGBT Icon is featured with a video, bio, bibliography, downloadable images and other resources. LGBT History Is American History “LGBT History Month sends an im...

08/22/2023

If you have a child at home that loves to draw and create than the Art Club is for you. Don't miss out sign up today.

07/24/2023

✨ Gay Blessings Upon West Milford ✨

07/24/2023

No voice is more powerful or persuasive than that of a PFLAG member or supporter. As people who are le***an, gay, bisexual, transgender, and q***r (LGBTQ+), their parents, families, friends, and allies, we know firsthand the impact that discriminatory laws have on ourselves and our loved ones.

As PFLAG celebrates its 50th anniversary, there is no better time to gather for four days of connecting, networking, sharing, and--most of all--learning with love. Through workshops, panels, and presentations from community leaders, we'll provide insight, expertise, training, strategies, and best pr...

07/24/2023

Upcoming Children's Events for the week of July 24-30. For more information, or to register, visit https://www.wmtl.org/events/month/

07/24/2023

Here are the Children's Events for August! There is something for everyone! Visit the events calendar on the Library's website for more info and to register! www.wmtl.org/events