Judy Shepard

About the Author

Judy Shepard is a devoted advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, whose life took a profound turn following the tragic murder of her son Matthew in Laramie, Wyoming, in 1998. As a mother transformed by unimaginable loss, she channeled her grief into activism, co-founding the Matthew Shepard Foundation to foster understanding and equality. Her poignant memoir, The Meaning of Matthew: My Son's Murder in Laramie, and a World Transformed, offers an intimate look at the events that shattered her family and ignited a global movement against hate crimes. Through her writing and tireless efforts, Shepard continues to honor her son's legacy, inspiring readers to confront prejudice and champion human rights in a divided world.