I just wanted to share my tribute to Matt, Wyoming Wind which can be found on You Tube. I had a friend I never knew, just a shadow in the night. He asked me was I in or out, and will you join the fight. So I listened through my deafness to the sweetness of his song When I turned around to notice him I discovered he had gone ch. But the song drifts along on the soft wyoming wind. It's a lullaby of love and hope and the courage to begin that quest for understanding in the darkness of our souls. No I won't forget that melody on the soft Wyoming Wind. So I went back to the drawing board with a modicum of shame. Ripped the bandage off the sores and administered the blame. Yes I lived a lie of silence with a blind eye towards the proof.And a fear of ever facing what I knew to be the truth. chorus I have seen the face of hatred, it wears a thousand different masks. Heard the voice of the self righteous preaching prejudice as fact. Will I ever find the courage to live completely free. You know you need a guiding spirit to find your inner peace. Sometimes when it's late at night I can almost see my friend. A gentle smile upon his face where the bloody tears had been. And he reaches out to comfort me saying it will be alright. And he beckons me to follow him from the shadows to the light. And the song drifts along on the soft wyoming wind. It's a lullaby of love and hope and the courage to begin that quest for understanding in the darkness of our souls. No I won't forget that melody on the soft wyoming wind. hope you like it, Richard

reminds me of why I tell people why I am who I am. and try my best to always stand up for myself. no one should ever suffer as he did.

My heart goes out to Matthew's family as to any family hurt by hate. I find the world still so closed to the love we can all share, whether it be sexual orientation, color, age, social class, etc. Everyone has something special inside, if only we would all stop to see the light.

Matthew has brought a new kind of hope to my life. To know his story and the story of Laramie gives me hope. What happened to Matthew was horrendous and unforgivable, however the message and hope and love that has come out of this tragedy is greater than anything else in the world. What happened to Matthew was cruel and to take that young man out of this world because he was different was and still is an outrage. Though Matthew has passed, he will forever be in my heart inspiring me to erase hate from my life.

I've been part of a Christian group since last year, and it keeps surprising me that they are so strict with homosexuality. The other day one mate said homosexuality is plain madness. And male on male is disgusting. Personally, I'm not a Christian. This group follows the bible to the point. One of the girls in the group, which I used to live with, got a bit upset that I choice to not be a Christian, because in her life, being a Christian and follow the bible is the meaning of life. Last year, or the year before, a Christian sister was told to leave another group similar to this, because she was homosexual, and didn't want to change. You don't choose to be homosexual. It's the way you're born. These groups seems to not understand that. For them it's like a disease that can be cured. I find it really sad that it has to be this way. And we can't talk about it in an extended version, because none of the members in the group have this issue. And the group do not accept people into the group if being homosexual. Which gives me the question of why I'm still in the group, and I've informed them that I'm not Christian. I just like their company.

Do you think if they had thought ahead to what Matthews death would create, they would have still killed him?

It's sad, but we, the GLBTQ community, still need places like this page here in order to share our stories and support each other. What happened in Laramie is still happening to gay teens today - small difference that some are bullied to an extent that they commit suicide. I'm a teacher, and I promise to do whatever I can to stop bullying at my school. I will not tolerate homophobic slurs in my classroom.

Your story is touching and inspiring. It made me stand up for who I am and never give up on anything I can dream of. Matthew you made a difference in my life just being who you are. I think everyday how you touched so many lives. I want to say thank you and you will be in my life forever.

Amazing that we still have so much hate against us! It boggles the mind that in this day and age it still occurs. It is was sad that such angry and hate are directed towards an individual based off of ignorance.

I really think over the years we all have grown and learned to accept new technologies, theories and solutions. It seems such a waste a time to worry over lifestyles. We accept flat screens - not lesbians. We accept think pads - not gays. We accept cell phones - not bi sexuals. People really should rethink their concerns Diabetes, Lung cancer, heart disease wouldn't their time and energy be put better use?

It's about one month ago that i heard the first time about your story, Matthew. And i really feel sad about what happened to you. I always ask myself what i could have done that this wouldn't have happened. At the moment, i read your Mom's book "The meaning of Matthew" and listen to songs which are written for you. I believe that you're in heaven now and i will see you some day. God loves you, Matthew, and so do We!

Matthew, I think of you often. I am proud of being me because of you. RIP. Watch over us.

Just the other day I was glancing over pictures from the candlelight vigil at Webster back in 98-99

I just wanted to stop by and say thank you for all of the amazing work you do.

In the past where I felt like I didn't belong. I know now I'm here for a purpose. To share my love and energy with my family, friends, and my soon to be husband Glen. I love you babe.

Where would you have been, and what great things would you have been doing today if given the chance to simply live?

I had the opportunity to know Matthew briefly with few brief encounters. The first time was at a coffee shop in Denver, Co he was there with a friend of mine we sat had had coffee and talked for well over 3hrs. He was just a joy, so kind and smart. The few other times our paths crossed he always said Hello! When I learned of his passing and the tragic and senseless way he died, I was heartbroken thinking how could anyone to that to a sweet gentle soul. You are forever in my thoughts and I will never forget.

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Thats what you bring!

Matthew's Place is a the most powerful organization that young gay teens can utilize in order to be accepted for who they are and what they are in this cruel society. I am proud that Matthew's mother has dedicated her life to educating people about the gay community. Judy is truly a living angel on this earth.

Thank you for the work that you do.

You are in our hearts always!

RIP Matthew... your memory will never be erased from my mind.

I hope someday we can erase all hate in the world, but for now as Johnny Reid sang today I'm gunna try and change the world one step at time!

I first saw the Laramie Project on HBO when I was twelve or thirteen (around 2003 or 2004). Seeing what happened to you, Matthew, was my first encounter with how cruel society can be to homosexuals. It really woke me up to reality. Now I debate on pages for and against same sex marriage, and hope one day, if someone comes out and says "I'm gay" or "I'm transgender," they will never fear for hate speech, aggressive people, and ultimately not getting acceptance from those who really care for them.

My memories of Matthew go back to when we were very little and went to the same babysitter - Mrs. Bader. Matthew was always such a nice person with a great smile. When I think back about the time I knew Matthew all I do is light up from the inside out. He was an amazing person and because of Matthew, lives have been changed. His legacy continues and makes a difference every day. I am blessed to have known you!

Words cannot explain my gratitude for the positive that has come about since your passing. I can only hope to keep my kids aware of the civil rights injustice towards the gay community and encourage them to help as my husband and I continue to do. RIP sweet Matthew.

Matthew thank you for what you do. It's nice to see that teens,young and older adults have somewhere to go if they need help, guidence, just support, whether they are confused or are gay and dont know how to over come the anxiety of coming out. Keep doing what you do Matthews Place. thank you..

So much hate in the world right now. It was this hate that took you away from your family and friends

you have been such an inspiration to so many people. my partner and i drove cross country in may and made it a priority to stop in laramie. it was even more emotional than i thought it would be. i will never forget it. with love from boston.

I already knew the story of Matthew Shepard, but did not know much about it, there has been some repercussion in Brazil and today I remembered this and decided to research. I was moved by the whole movement and I'll talk to my friends in my University about as exciting fight for the simple right to live. Without discrimination.

I have just signed up today and wanted to say I am proud to be here. To be able to read all the stories and hear the kind words is moving and educational. May the good heart and positive vision of this tragic short life serve to remind us to be better than ourselves. We can do more to exude compassion and restore dignity. Continued efforts will show that the only real 'choice' one can make and 'change' from is hate; committed individuals can find a way to reduce and replace that callous swipe. And how it affected me the first time around still hasn't changed much. Not a day goes by that I don't remember this wrenching tale. But what matters is that learning can promote and transition into action. I start with me, at home and in my personal backyard, to repair my own fears and insecurities, and live with direction and high purpose - just as Matthew would have in so effective a way. Much love and many blessings to all the fellow supporters of this special and worthy cause, as well as the Shepard family. 'Gone but not forgotten' is a motto never better used than this situation.

I and my family have just seen the movie the Mathew Shepard Story for the first time,I cried my eyes out the fact that peoples ignorance is prolound is this world makes me sick inside,I have seen the Teena Brandon story many times and was horrified what happened to her cause she was different, also I have many friends that are gay and sociaty needs to open their eyes and relize that we are all different in the world,if we were all the same life and people would be boring,I just wanted to say that I have seen the movie, and my fav part was his friends being angels and blocking out the haterid,May God be with you Mathew and your Family ,we will all see you soon,love forever the St.Onges

I have seen the movie and read the book. I do believe that Mathew was an angel. He died way too young and should have the opportunities that we all get. I hope that his death brings good to all. I hope that with education there will be tolerance. We need more people out there like the Shepard family that made something good out something bad. You will be in my prayers forever.

I just had to say I cried for Matthew again today. I never met him and back in '98 when he was murdered I had 4 small children. I prayed ignorantly that none of them would be Gay only for 1 reason only. That was that I would never go through the pain Matthew's parents suffered. I was so selfish. His murder affected me like no other adults has. I have 6 children now . My 21 yr old daughter is openly Gay and I wouldn't change her for the world!! I have to thank you for making this country safer for her. We are celebrating NY's new Law making Gay Marriage legal. She's going to the NY pride parade tommorrow and I told her to be careful. I remember when.... it wasn't safe. I told her how different it is now since the Matthew Shepard law made violence against gay's a hate crime and to my surprise she didn't know about him. I told her the story through my tears and told her how this country was outraged! I told her about his brave parents that fought for her rights! She promised me over the phone she would google Matthew Shepard when she got home and I made her promise to make sure to tell everyone she knew that this is a safer country because of his parents 9 yr fight for their rights and safety! Thank You with all my heart, Maggie

The Matthew Shepherd Foundation is a godsend. Matthew paved the way for tolerance and acceptance. My son, Nathan Smith, is gay and attends the University of Wyoming. I must say that that place has come a long way, it's just to bad it was at the cost of a young person's life. My son's name, Nathan, means "Gift from God", and that's what he is to me. I love both of my children endlessly. I am proud to be the mother of a gay son. God bless those of you that are troubled with coming out. Just know that there are mothers and fathers that support you. Take Care to all!

This visit is to respect Matt Shepard ...

Im from Sydney, Australia and it is part of our Year 12 end of year exams to study \'The Laramie Project\' for Drama. This has by far been the most moving, and heart warming play that i have ever read. Of course the foregrounding story of matthew\'s murder is horrific, and absolutley heart wrenching, but the underlying messages of love and devotion to a community is beautiful. So i thankyou Matt, even though we never met i would like to thankyou for being such an amazing human being because you have shone a light on a topic that needed to be addressed. And i thankyou for that.

Dwight Munger, Survivor - Celebrating 10 Years and counting! Dwight: Celebrating ?10 years of being a "Hate Crime" Survivor! While living in Denver, I made the mistake of trusting the wrong person. While having a drink with somebody I thought was a new "friend", I was drugged (in my drink), abducted, bound, and victimized in every way by four men. It was planned, premeditated, brutal, violent, and sadistic. It was an act of pure hate. I am not posting this for sympathy. I am posting this as a gift to myself! I am NOT a victim, I am a Victor! I am a survivor! I want people to know the real me, and my life. And, as horrible as it was, it is and will always be a part of my life and who I am. It is why I sometimes "wear my heart on my sleeve", it is part of me, it is why I try and always take the time to say something kind to somebody, it is why it hurts me a little extra when somebody says something unkind to me. Not because I am weak, but because I am strong! And, because I know the purpose of the heart! Not the heart that is measured on an EKG, but the real-true purpose of the mind, heart, and soul. For being like a sacrifical lamb that dreadful night, I received the gift of knowing. I will be grateful for the gift every day that I am alive! Part of the gift to myself, is saying it out loud, and letting the world know. Not so much for my benefit, but for the benefit of others. Many people around the world suffer from "Hate Crimes" and crime in general. And, you know what? It is ok to say it out loud! For years I beared the cross, carried the weight of it, blamed myself, etc. Many others do the same. I am sharing my story in hopes that they will stop too, and they will let the weights fall from their shoulders too! I did NOTHING to warrant the utter hell and torture that I suffered that night, NOTHING! I was in the process of coming to terms with being "gay", I was not "out", they suspected it, they saw I was naieve and vulnerable, and they used it to their advantage. People like Matthew Shepard were not as "lucky" as I was to make it out alive. Truth be told, there were moments during the crime when I thought I would meet the same fate he did, there were moments when I prayed to live and escape, and there were moments when I prayed for the mercy that only death could bring; anything as long as I could no longer see, hear, or feel anymore is all I wanted. I could see out the bottom of the blindfold, my wrists and ankles were tied to the corners of a bed. But, I was thankful that consciousness was on and off for me, the drugs in the beverage and passing out from the terror and trauma was a small blessing. I am fortunate to not remeber every single detail, which I am so far beyond thankful for. Ten years later and I am grateful that my life did not end, that like Matthew Shepard, my violated, bloody, and bruised dead body did not end up strung up in a barbed wire fence in a rural area. I ended up bloody and bruised inside of my Ford Explorer sometime during the middle of the following day in the parking lot of my apartment complex. Where I wrapped myself in a blanket and slowly made my way into my apartment, and spent hours sitting on the floor of the shower for hours tending to my many wounds. I then went into "hiding" for a few days, and eventually got fired from job for missing work. I didn't report it. I moved back home to Idaho shortly after because I knew those awful men knew where I lived, and I knew nothing about them other than what they did that night. I was afraid they would come back to "finish me off" It has never taken much to impress me, I am always humble, and the littlest things make me feel so good...like the sunshine, or one of my plants get...ting a flower on it. But having lived and survived that incident some 10 years ago; I can see beauty in things that most people don't even notice much less appreciate. I am so grateful for the "gift"! I couldn't begin to describe or express the love, and I mean TRUE love, that I have for each and every person who has ever taken the time to be kind to me. So many things were taken in that one night, although in some ways they damaged my heart (figuretively); after the fact, with my heart once just being a mechanical pumping thing, as it pumped the blood that spilled that night...in the time that followed my heart became a phenomonal thing, it can see so much better then my eyes can, and it can feel so much better than my hands do. This event coupled with all the surgeries and trials of my life...I am so humble, and grateful to be alive. In the last 2 weeks is the first time I have ever spoke of this publicly. I even started a new Facebook Page for myself and others, just this week!.

I am glad that someone like Matthew gave his life in the name of what he believed in. Because of him our world is just a little bit more understanding. I for one support equality amongst us all with all my heart!

What an awesome site, and what a beautiful outcome this has had. RIP Mat