By LanaRus

Last Saturday I attended Matthew Shepard Foundation (MSF) Annual Gala in Denver. The MSF is dedicated to ‘Erasing Hate’ through education, advocacy and awareness. The Foundation is the voice for inclusive hate crimes legislation and works to empower and ensure the safety of LGBTQ and Allied youth.

Founded by Judy, Dennis and Logan Shepard in memory of 21-year-old Matthew who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming in October 1998, the Foundation was created to honor him in a manner that was appropriate to his dreams, beliefs and aspiration. The MSF seeks to “Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion & Acceptance.”

MSF’s Annual Gala has an interesting history. After Matthew Shepard’s murder, hundreds of teddy bears were created and donated in memory of Matthew, as well as other victims of senseless violence and hate. These bears are displayed at the Dancing Bear Museum and Folk Center in Thermopolis, Wyoming and are used to educate schoolchildren n diversity issues. They represent the international response to a hate crime that not only shook our nation, but also touched the hearts of people around the world.