The Matthew Shepard Foundation

OUR MISSION
To support diversity programs in education and to help youth organizations establish environments where young people can feel safe and be themselves.

OUR VISION
To educate and enlighten others on the importance of diversity, understanding, compassion, acceptance and respect. Everyone must participate in developing solutions to problems that are rooted in ignorance and hatred.

OUR GOAL
To replace hate with understanding, compassion and acceptance.

FOUNDATION'S STORY
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 & Acceptance" through its varied educational, outreach and advocacy programs and by continuing to tell Matthew's story.

The Foundation focuses on three primary areas: Erasing Hate in our society, putting GLBT Youth First and ensuring Equality for all GLBT Americans.

BOARDS
HONORARY BOARD

Sir Elton John
Bruce W. Bastian
Tipper Gore
Andrew Tobias
Moises Kaufman
Senator Gordon H. Smith
Bernie Taupin
Morris Dees
Dennis Dougherty
Judy Weider
Bob Witeck
Terry Bean
Elizabeth Birch
Betty DeGeneres
Cyndi Lauper
Joe Solmonese
Judith Light
Robert Desiderio
Ken and Sherry Corday
Chad Allen

(Herb Hamsher and Johathan Stoller are listed on the Advisory Board.)

www.matthewshepard.org