Executive Director of The Matthew Shepard Foundation

The Matthew Shepard Foundation was founded by Dennis and Judy Shepard in memory of their 21-year old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming in October 1998. Created to honor Matthew in a manner that was appropriate to his dreams, beliefs, and aspirations, the Foundation seeks to ‘Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion and acceptance’ through its varied educational, outreach and, advocacy programs and by continuing to tell Matthew’s story.