Victims of hate crimes remain fearful and mistrustful of the criminal justice system. Reporting a hate crime can present more consequences than justice: public outing in a non-accepting environment; re-victimization by law enforcement; discrimination in hospitals, churches and schools. What can be done to help? We literally need to stand by the victims of hate crimes.
On April 9, Judy Shepard joined the New England Gay Officers Action League (GOAL) in Boston to deliver the keynote address at the organization’s 25th anniversary celebration.
As part of its National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Equality Texas released a video showing how the organization is working with hate crimes victims, the Dallas Police Department and other community leaders to address last fall’s spike in hate crimes in the Oak Lawn neighborhood.
The documentary feature film Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine—directed by filmmaker and friend Michele Josue—has been nominated in the “Outstanding Special Class Special” category for the 43rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards after airing on Logo TV last July.
On April 7, Dennis Shepard joined students and faculty at the University of Wyoming, Laramie, to present at the 20th Annual Shepard Symposium for Social Justice.
The Matthew Shepard Foundation is accepting nominations and applications for this year’s Spirit of Matthew Award to be presented at our 15th Annual Honors Gala on October 8 in Denver, Colorado.
Thanks to gracious supporters Steven and Angie, their efforts and their nuptials raised over $6,000 for the Foundation. At their wedding on November 28th, 2015, they chose three charities close to their hearts and the Matthew Shepard Foundation was at the top of their list. Angie and Steven said, “We are so grateful and honored to give back to such an amazing organization that brought our two worlds together!”
The stories journalist Jose Antonio Vargas will capture with #EmergingUS is vital to our nation’s progress. Already in this election year we’ve heard endless rants of bigotry, ignorance and hatred toward immigrants from all corners of the world; of different cultures, religions and identities. We cannot afford to let ignorance and hate drown out the voices of America’s immigrants. We cannot endure continued systematic oppression.
The Matthew Shepard Foundation has joined CampusPride and more than 80 other LGBTQ+, religious, sports and youth groups in urging the National College Athletic Association to “divest from all religious based campuses who have requested discriminatory Title IX waivers toward LGBTQ youth.”
Do you have an upcoming wedding or commitment ceremony, anniversary, birthday, graduation party, or other milestone? Transform your event into a pledge of support for the Matthew Shepard Foundation’s longstanding mission to Erase Hate by starting a personal fundraising campaign.