[Emproph]

In Memorariam: Matthew Shepard (December 1, 1976 – October 12, 1998)

Buffy, a frequent commenter on the pro-gay watchdog sites, included a video in that post, done to the song “Scarecrow” by Melissa Etheridge--written in memory of Matthew Shepard (see below).

Originally Posted by antiochian

I was wondering if anyone knows whether the fence Matthew was tied to is still standing. I've been hoping to go there and bring flowers one day, but a friend said it's been taken down due to the crowds it has drawn. I hope that is not so, and if it is, that a memorial of some sort has been erected so that we'll always remember...

For what it's worth, consider that a song (and its accompanying inspiration), unlike a fence, can be a much further reaching, and sometimes more meaningful memorial.

The poster of that moving video, Michelle5451, writes:

This is for all you hate filled people who feel the need to spew your venom at people who live their lives different than your own. There is no bigger indication of self-hatred and deeply rooted fear than when a person throws hate and anger upon the world.

As if the story of Matthew Shepard isn't terrible enough - picture this, sit with it for awhile and bring it to mind the next time you want to attack a "fag," "dyke" or "homo" - when Matt was found 18 hours after his beating, his head and face were caked with dried blood, and in the blood on his face was a trail leading down his cheeks from his eyes. This tells us Matt had been awake at some point after his beating and before he fell into a coma, he knew what had been done to him, he was in pain, he was scared and perhaps, he knew he was going to die - and so, he cried. Tied to a fence, unable to move, brain damaged and dying - this man cried. Does that break your heart? It should...if you have one. If the story of Matt Shepard doesn't shock and disgust you far greater than the idea of two people of the same gender loving each other, you're the one not right with God.

The Matthew Shepard Foundation.