Losing Matt Shepard: Life and Politics in the Aftermath of Anti-Gay Murder
by Beth LoffredaOctober 6th, 1998, Matthew Shepard left the Fireside Bar with two other men. They drove one bumpy mile, tied him to a fence, and beat him until they were convinced he would die. On October 12, 1998, Matthew Shepard died. Shepard was a gay college student. He died because, in the words of his killers, he was a faggot. Shepard's death sparked outrage. The press came into Wyoming from all parts of the country, vigils and concerts were held in his honor. Folks came together and spoke about gays, about fear, about life and death. But an equal rights bill still didn't pass in the state legislature. Fund-raising concerts did not send money to gay organizations in Wyoming or in Laramie. And although New York had 8 murders of gays during the trial of Shepards' killers, Shepard's death was capitalized on. He was portrayed in an asexual manner by fundraisers, who skirted the very issue they wished to confront. What caused the mixed the reactions to Shepard's death?
Loffreda is the faculty advisor to the University of Wyoming at Laramie's LGBTA club. In this book she quotes her students and fellow faculty, as well community members of Laramie, examining their outlook on Matt Shepard and on homosexuals.
Thoughtful reading.
