Event

Judy and Dennis Shepard, founders of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, will visit Trinidad and Tobago from April 7-9, 2014, to promote their message of understanding, compassion, and acceptance for all, regardless of sexual orientation.  Hosted by the US Embassy, their visit will include an open discussion at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus.

The event takes place on Wednesday April 9, at the Noor Hassanali Auditorium, at 10.30am, and will be moderated by Deputy Principal, Professor Rhoda Reddock.

All are welcome to attend.   

More about the Shepards

In October 1998, Judy and Dennis Shepard lost their 21 year-old son, Matthew, to a murder motivated by anti-gay hate.  Matthew’s death moved many thousands of people around the world to attend vigils and rallies in his memory. Determined to prevent others from suffering their son’s fate, Judy and Dennis decided to turn their grief into action and established the Matthew Shepard Foundation to carry on Matthew’s legacy. The award-winning film The Laramie Project tells the story of Matthew’s murder.

The Foundation’s mission is to empower individuals to embrace human dignity and diversity through outreach and advocacy to effect positive change.  The Shepards have traveled extensively both within the United States and throughout the world promoting this message.   

More information about the Shepard Foundation is available here: www.matthewshepard.org  

You can also view this short video, which overviews the Shepards’ story and message: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOsgy7CYnMI.