Throughout its evolution, the foundation is now a space to support LGBTI youth. ‘It’s reassuring to know he now will rest in a sacred spot where folks can come to reflect on creating a safer, kinder world,’ his mother, Judy, said during the October ceremony.įollowing Shepard’s death, his parents created the Matthew Shepard Foundation.Īt the start, the organization’s main mission was to encourage parents to accept and love their children, regardless of their sexuality. This fall, Shepard was finally laid to rest at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. He died several days later from the brutal hate crime. On 7 October 1998, two young men beat and robbed 21-year-old Shepard. They tied him to a fence in the freezing cold in Laramie, Wyoming. ‘We are incredibly honored to have Judy and Dennis Shepard be our Miami Beach Pride ally marshals this year, and to honor them for their unwavering support and tireless work in the LGBTQ community,’ chairman of Miami Beach Pride, Bruce Horwich, told The Advocate.
Parents of Matthew Shepard, Judy and Dennis Shepard, are headlining Miami Beach Pride in 2019.
