Our friends, and now award winning host, Derek and Romaine have put a very special item up for a limited download: The Laramie Project, 10 Years Later - The Lasting Legacy of Matthew Shepard. Now you can download a copy of the radio documentary the GLAAD Media Awards have honored with a special recognition award here at their site - http://www.siriusoutq.com. The two-hour documentary aired originally on October 10th, 2008 to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of Matthew Shepard's death. Conceived and produced by Romaine Patterson, the documentary examines the impact the award-winning play-turned-film The Laramie Project has had on attitudes towards hate crimes with interviews from playwright Moises Kaufman and members of Tectonic Theater Company.
The story of Matthew Shepard changed the way we talk about and deal with hate in the United States. For the past ten years, the legacy of this remarkable young man's life has challenged and inspired millions of individuals to erase hate in all forms. Although his life was short, it continues to have a great impact on both young and old alike.
Chris and I have had the opportunity to meet Judy Shepard on two separate occasions, as well and his young brother, Logan. These two courageous individuals, with their friends and family, have been able to keep Matthews memory alive and helped pass civil and LGBT issues such as the Hate Crimes Legislation: The Matthew Shepard Act. Learn more, and donate at http://www.matthewshepard.org
2 comments:
My partner and I live in Laramie, WY. We were not here at the time of Matthew Shepard's death; so we don't know how the community has changed since then. However, I am proud to say that the community has not forgotten! The University holds the Shepard Symposium every year and this year (which starts tomorrow) Elton John will be here!
Our family remembers vividly joining the community in holding candlelight vigil at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins (JP's hometown) in the waning hours of Matthew Shepard's life. As we have had the good fortune to share briefly with the Shepards, Matthew's death was a turning point in reaching full acceptance within our own families, and making advocates of us all. The Laramie Project has been a powerful reminder of this somber but transformative period in our own lives.
Elton John's original concert at the University of Wyoming was a profound and touching evening (he performed Candle in the Wind for the first time publicly since Princess Diana's death). With what has an almost religious note of observance, we will be returning to Laramie for the benefit Friday.
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