Judy and Dennis Shepard, the parents of Matthew Shepard, read a poem written by Matthew in one of his journals. Matthew was brutally killed in Wyoming, USA in October 1998. It was one of the most notorious anti-gay hate crimes in the history of the United States. As part of a larger Pacific tour, Judy and Dennis visited New Zealand for the first time. This poem comes from a longer interview recorded at the same time.
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Matthew Shepard's poem is a heartfelt expression of his identity and emotions. It begins with a series of affirmations that paint a vivid picture of who he was:
"I am sensitive. I am honest. I am sincere. I am not a pest. I am my own person. I am warm. I am funny, nice, hopeful, energetic, giving, understanding, sometimes selfish, sincere, generous, irritable, gay, cute, interesting, intelligent, poor, humble, and outgoing. I am Matthew Shepard."
These lines encapsulate the essence of Matthew, a young man who embraced his complexity and individuality. Through this poem, listeners gain insight into Matthew's character—his warmth, humor, generosity, and self-awareness. His self-description as "gay" is a poignant reminder of the identity that made him a target of hatred, yet it also underscores the pride he took in being himself.
The Shepards' decision to read Matthew's poem publicly, particularly in an international context, highlights the universal relevance of his story. Their voices, filled with the emotion and love of parents who lost their child to senseless violence, bring Matthew's words to life, making his presence felt even decades after his death.
The recording not only serves as a tribute to Matthew but also as a call to action against prejudice and violence. It emphasizes the importance of remembering those who have suffered due to hate and the necessity of fostering a world where diversity is celebrated and protected.
In sharing Matthew's poem, Judy and Dennis Shepard continue their mission to promote tolerance and understanding. Their advocacy work, rooted in the tragic loss of their son, has been instrumental in raising awareness about the impact of hate crimes and the need for legal and social reforms to protect LGBTQ+ individuals.
This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.
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