Matthew Shepard Remembrance Video

the problem:

In recognition to Mrs. and Mr. Shepard intensive work on Stopping the Hate and creating LGBT awareness, I realized that it was about time to figure out if anyone in my school community had heard about Matthew Shepard and get a feedback of what they think about this tragic occurrence.  As an activist gay student and GSA president, I outreached for help with my school’s TV Production Department, WJAG, as well as more than welcome help from GSA members, straight allies, friends, supportive teachers, and school staff; all of them together agreed that we should to have an action of remembrance in memory of Matthew Shepard, on October 12th.  From a simple proposal it became a reality, more than 100 students actively supported the cause by wearing the STOP THE HATE HAND, around school and bringing up in their classes the necessity of tolerance and respect for all regardless differences.  Furthermore, just a day of action was not enough for me.  So WJAG crew interviewed some teachers and students, and edited a masterpiece with just a few interviews to illustrate this project.It’s obvious that we could have done much more to change people’s point of view towards the LGBT community, but we as a GSA cannot do as much as a strong woman as Mrs. Shepard have done for the LGBT youth and LGBT community as a whole.  Because of all this hard work I would like to thank them for that.  I have faced many intimidating moments when I first moved to the USA, but after I heard about Matthew Shepard’s story and all work done by both of them, I changed my mind about being just a gay kid that is made fun of, to be the one to ask for respect and not be scared of anyone.  Believe me, they are an assurance of safety and security for many LGBT teenagers in my community, they feel that they are changing the world know that by the time my peers are out in the real world, they will live a much equal world that Mrs. and Mr. Shepard have created.

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