Judy Shepard is the founding president of the Matthew Shepard Foundation Board of Directors, and served as its first executive director as well, from 1999 to 2009. In October 1998, Judy and Dennis Shepard lost their 21-year-old son, Matthew, to a murder motivated by anti-gay hate. Judy and Dennis decided to turn their grief into action, establishing the Matthew Shepard Foundation to carry on Matthew’s legacy. In her continuing role as board president, she travels across the nation speaking to audiences about making this world a more accepting place for everyone, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, or sexual orientation. Judy has also written a memoir, ‘The Meaning of Matthew’. Originally trained as a teacher, she holds a degree in Secondary Education from the University of Wyoming where she later pursued some post-graduate studies. Her word of the day is ALLY. CONNECT WITH JUDY: I: @mattshepardfdn T: @WyoJudyShepard CW: This episode contains discussion of hate crime and homophobia. #AnthemsPride is a collection of 30 original manifestos, speeches, stories, poems and rallying cries written and voiced by exceptional LGBTQIA+ contributors and allies. It was created, sound designed and executive produced by Hana Walker-Brown with producers Bea Duncan, Jaja Muhammad and production assistant Rory Boyle. The artwork is by Mars West. Resources: Matthew Shepard Foundation Amplifying the story of Matthew Shepard to inspire individuals, organizations and communities to embrace the dignity and equality of all people. Website: https://www.matthewshepard.org Galop Hate crime, domestic abuse and sexual violence support service for LGBT+ people Helpline: 0800 999 5428 (Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm / Wednesday & Thursday, 10am-8pm) Website: http://www.galop.org.uk Victim Support Independent charity offering support for people affected by crime or traumatic events. Phone: 0808 1689 111 (24/7) Website: https://www.victimsupport.org.uk (24/7 live chat) Cruse Bereavement Care The leading national charity for bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Phone: 0808 808 1677 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) Website: www.cruse.org.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices