Tonight we light candles in memory of Matthew Shepard, who died 13 years ago today as a result of a homophobic attack.

Matthew was driven to a remote, rural area and was then robbed, pistol-whipped, and tortured. He was then tied to a fence and left to die. 

He suffered fractures to the back of his head and in front of his right ear. He experienced severe brain-stem damage, which affected his body’s ability to regulate heart rate, body temperature, and other vital functions. There also were about a dozen small lacerations around his head, face, and neck. His injuries were deemed too severe for doctors to operate. Shepard never regained consciousness and remained on full life support.

Shepard was pronounced dead at 12:53 a.m. on October 12, 1998.

All because he was gay.

Please light a candle in his memory. This must never be forgotten.