In Memory of Matt

Mike Yost

On Saturday, October 11, The Matthew Shepard Foundation Honors Gala will take place at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, recognizing three distinguished LGBT advocates, including actor Stephen Fry.

For the past 15 years, Judy and Dennis Shepard, founders of the Matthew Shepard Foundation (MSF), have been traveling around the world and sharing the story of their gay son, Matthew, a 21-year-old college student who was brutally beaten and murdered in Laramie, Wyoming in October of 1998.

Previously known as the Bear to Make a Difference Gala, MSF has hosted this fundraiser for the past 13 years to raise money and awareness regarding LGBT hate crimes, a large majority of which go unreported each year.

In 2009, the Foundation helped pass the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, expanding federal criminalization of hate crimes carried out against people of color and members of the LGBT community.

“Judy and Dennis care deeply about this event and share our belief that this new vision for our annual celebration reflects the maturity of the foundation and our commitment to an enduring, sustainable movement that embraces and recognizes all contributions,” reads the MSF press release.

This year, MSF is honoring three advocates who parallel Judy and Dennis’ mission, working to foster equality and cultivate a positive impact in the lives of LGBT individuals throughout the world.

Stephen Fry

Not only an actor, writer, journalist, poet, television presenter, and film maker, Stephen Fry has been fighting for the rights of the LGBT community for more than three decades. Last year he released the documentary “Out There,” elucidating the experiences of LGBT people in different parts of the world such as Russia and Uganda, and highlighting the immense challenges some face just for being who they are.

Jason Collins

In 2013, NBA basketball player Jason Collins became the first openly gay athlete in a major American sport, publishing his story through a personal letter in Sports Illustrated. Collins was deeply affected by Matthew’s death and in 2012, when he was drafted by the Boston Celtics, Collins chose 98 for his jersey number — the same year Matthew was killed.

“It was a private reminder to myself every single game,” Collins tells Out Front, who at the time had just come out to his family. “That jersey signified this new acceptance that I had with myself and that pride for being a member of the LGBT community.” Read our full interview with Jason on Page 14.

Leslie Herod

Leslie Herod worked for the Gill Foundation as a programming officer, establishing a coalition of LGBT individuals and people of color to create altruistic programs within the local community.

Herod also worked as the deputy political director for President Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign; she was an advisor to former Colorado Governor Bill Ritter Jr.; and she has been a long-time supporter of the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

All three advocates will be speaking at the gala, along with Judy Shepard, as they work to further MSF’s efforts and ensure the events in Laramie, Wyoming are never repeated.

For tickets and event info, please visit MatthewShepard.org/Honors