A Conversation with Judy Shepard

Judy and Dennis Shepard lost their 21 year old son Matthew in October 1998, to a murder motivated by anti-gay hate. They turned their grief into action and founded the Matthew Shepard Foundation. The Foundation is dedicated to working toward the causes championed by Matthew during his life: social justice, diversity, awareness and education, and equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. It is also a committed partner in hate crime legislation advocacy and education. Through her personal appearances across the country and around the world, Judy Shepard is changing hearts and minds by sharing Matt’s story and highlighting the importance of standing up for the LGBTQIA community. This event will be moderated by C. Julie Whitlow, Assistant Provost for Global Engagement at Salem State. It is co-sponsored by the Salem State Alliance, First Year Experience and Center for Creative and Performing Arts. Matthew Shepard's legacy has inspired several artistic works, including The Laramie Project. The Salem State Theatre department will live stream its recorded performance of this play, April 29-May 6. Tickets for that production will go on sale, March 26. Students and visitors who anticipate needing accommodations due to a disability, or who have questions about access, may contact disability services at access@salemstate.edu.