Remembering Matthew Shepard: 28 Years Later, His Story Still Matters
A personal reflection on Matthew Shepard’s legacy, the impact his murder had on LGBTQ+ families, and why the fight for safer, more accepting communities still matters today.
Today, October 7, marks 28 years since Matthew Shepard was attacked in Laramie, Wyoming. Matthew was only 21 years old. He was a college student, a son, a friend, and a young man with his whole life ahead of him. He died five days later, on October 12, 1998, from the injuries he suffered.
Matthew’s story has always been especially near and dear to my heart. At the time, my twin brother, who is gay, had just come out to our mother. We were only 18 years old — just starting our adult lives with so much ahead of us. I remember how scared my mom was for him to even leave the house after hearing what happened to Matthew. As a mother, she knew something like this could happen to her own son simply because of who he was. And if I know my mom, I’m sure a part of her still carries that worry today.
Matthew’s murder became one of the most well-known examples of anti-LGBTQ+ violence in our country and helped bring national attention to the very real dangers LGBTQ+ people can face simply for being who they are. His parents, Judy and Dennis Shepard, went on to create the Matthew Shepard Foundation and have spent decades fighting hate and advocating for acceptance, dignity, and equality.
His story also helped lead to the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which was signed into law in 2009 and expanded federal hate crime protections.
For me, Matthew’s story is also a reminder of why the work we do at Engayge matters. When we talk about safe spaces, community, connection, and helping LGBTQIA+ people find places where they can feel welcome, those words mean something. Everyone deserves to be able to leave their home, live their life, love who they love, and simply be who they are without their family having to fear that they may not come home safely.
Twenty-eight years later, Matthew’s story still matters. We remember him not only because of the horrific way his life ended, but because of the change his life continues to inspire — and because there is still work left to do.
The Associated Press also published a really good piece about Matthew’s legacy and the progress that has been made since his death: https://apnews.com/article/db6142ccc885a86dde5e4eeb9f42b539