21 year old University of Wyoming college student, Matthew Shepard, died 12 October 1998 at 12.53 a.m. after spending 5 days in a coma due to massive head injuries and head trauma in a robbery and hate crime assault. Shepard, just 5'2 and 105 pounds, was lured from a bar in Laramie, Wyoming, by Aaron McKinney (22) and Russell Henderson (21) who targeted him because he was gay.

This group is a tribute to Matthew and a place for all to talk about his story, and the stories of the too many people like him.

In his brief time with us, Matthew changed lives. His soul transformed the people he met. Though McKinney and Henderson may have succeeded in devastating his body, they did not and will not succeed in destroying his soul. Quite the opposite, for Matt's death has opened the heart of a community and a fresh movement for social justice.

THIS IS A TRIBUTE AND RESOURCE SITE. PLEASE SHOW YOUR RESPECT TO MATTHEW BY NOT POSTING ANY ADVERTISEMENTS OR UNRELATED LINKS, ESPECIALLY THOSE RELATING TO ADULT-ORIENTED SITES. ANY SUCH MESSAGES WILL BE REMOVED IMMEDIATELY.