Matthew Shepard's Mother On The Ninth Anniversary Of His Death

[Hissyspit]

http://www.washblade.com/2007/10-12/view/columns/11392.cfm

OPINION

A mother’s call to action
Nine years after my son was killed, gay youth remain vulnerable.

Friday, October 12, 2007

NINE YEARS AGO, my son Matthew was left to die after being brutally beaten simply for being gay. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about Matt — his spirit, his passion for people, his smile and his wonderful hugs. He was my friend, my confidant — someone who saw the beauty of difference and the best in all people. Dennis, our son Logan and I miss and love him deeply but know that his legacy will continue.

And on this, the ninth anniversary of his passing, I find nothing more fitting to continue Matt’s legacy than to elevate the discussion about the real issues facing LGBTQQ youth in our country and to launch MatthewsPlace.com — a new web resource designed specifically for and with youth.

Helping lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) young people lead healthy, productive, hate-free lives has been a core value of the Matthew Shepard Foundation from the beginning. MatthewsPlace.com was created to embody that value. With tremendous input and feedback from young people throughout its development, we’re confident that MatthewsPlace.com will be a virtual home for LGBTQQ youth. It is relevant and valuable to the experiences of LGBTQQ youth in all parts of our country — from the coasts to Middle America.

Since Matt’s death and the creation of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, I have been traveling, speaking to and meeting young people across the country.
Many of these young people — gay and straight — have reached out to me to share their stories about the pain and hurt of being teased, harassed and mistreated by their peers, community and sometimes their family members for being who they are. While it is critical for me to remind them that they are valued and that they matter — it is even more important for these young people to actually be able to live and grow up in communities feeling welcomed, accepted, and safe every day.

LGBTQQ KIDS ARE being forced to the streets at alarming rates. It is estimated that between 20 and 40 percent of all homeless youth identify as LGBTQQ. In some urban areas, the estimates are even higher. One study estimated that half of homeless youth in central Manhattan are lesbian or gay and another estimated that 40 percent of homeless youth in Seattle are lesbian or gay. Regardless of the specific number, it is unacceptable for one youth to be forced to the streets for any reason — especially for being who they are.

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[WindRavenX]

1. kick

and a :cry:

[Suich]

2. Hard to believe it's been 9 years....

I did not know the number was that high in Seattle....

[me b zola]

3. ...

[JackBeck]

4. And yet some still insist that the LGBT community doesn't deserve equal protection

under already existing laws.

And also disregard protecting our kids.

So sad.

[Riktor]

5. Even worse

I find it more intolerable Great Leader doesn't believe in hate crimes because, as he asserts, all crimes are caused by hate.

Man, I can't express the hate that overcomes me every time I get the urge to jaywalk.

[lateo]

6. kick

What a sad state of affairs America is in.

[Hissyspit]

7. .

[DarkTirade]

8. Has it really been 9 years...

seems like just yesterday.

Or maybe that's just because so little has changed since then.

[Swamp Rat]

9. kick

[theHandpuppet]

10. Please support The Point Foundation

http://www.thepointfoundation.org/

"The Point Foundation provides financial support, mentoring and hope to meritorious students who are marginalized due to sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity...."

My partner and I are proud supporters of this organization.