Of course it’s an honor for Matthew Shepard to be interred at the National Cathedral but, don’t lose sight of the fact that his parents COULD NOT BURY THEIR MURDERED CHILD in Wyoming, for fear of desecration. Let's sit with that.
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Laramie is the least redneck town in Wyo. but given how well known the tragic story of his death was, I doubt there would be any state where his grave would be safe. Homophobia is rampant in America period. Mathew still isn’t an anomaly he was just more visible.
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I have been to Laramie many times & there are fabulous people there, for sure. But, it's definitely not the least conservative part of Wyoming. Homophobia is rampant in America 100%, but there are places where it is worse. So, so much more measurably worse.
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I’m from Wyoming but I’ve lived and worked all over this country and yes it is one of the least conservative towns in Wyo. It had and has a large (for the population) gay community and is a Democratic stronghold. Yeah it’s way worse in parts of New York City for example.
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Girl, I'm from Utah. I know worse. It's not a competition. One of my best friends in the world is the ED of Equality Wyoming and lives in Laramie. We need big hugs & big changes in so many places <3
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I’m genuinely happy for his parents that he’s at rest. That’s http://important.You made it about Wyo. The truth is that this horror happens everywhere and a high profile grave would attract vandalism. Don’t be disingenuous about who made this particular convo divisive.
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I'm not some out-of-touch East Coast liberal here to disproportionately shame Wyoming! I know what it's like to live in "the real America." It's fucking brutal for anyone who is different. So many flee to metro areas to seek refuge, anonymity & peace. I wish we didn't have to.

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On better note I was leaving Zion once and was on the side of the road taking photo # 1,499 (literally) when the HP rolled up. HP -Need help miss? (concerned hat tip) ME- make me stop taking photos...PLEASE!!!
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I remember that the James Bryd lynching happened right around the time of Matthew Shepard's killing as well. 20 years later in this age of Trumpism and not much has changed
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Yeah both shining examples of the hate people feel for someone who is not exactly like them. Both broke my heart.
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You would've thought that American society would have grown over the past 20 years. But it hasn't. In some ways, it's worse.
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And will Trump ignore this sacred ceremony?
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On second thought, I hope to God he does.
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This is a very somber thing to post on national coming out day. This is still happening to LGBT people... It's been 20 years and we still aren't safe.
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I am glad he gets this honor; "Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine" is one of my all-time fave docs. https://www.mattnelsonreviews.com/blog/matt-shepard-is-a-friend-of-mine-intimate-portrait-of-reluctantly-public-figure …
@MattShepardFDN#ComingOutDay@WipeHomophobiapic.twitter.com/tBSHjqf573
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What a lovely final testing place for this child of God. In death, his life has brought so much light to many other terrible atrocities in the lgbtq world. Maybe he can Rest In Peace knowing this.
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I'm relieved that this young man will now have an honorable burial. This gang attack on him just for his gender preference was one of the ugliest hate crimes ever. He deserves this after what he suffered at the hands of haters. Sadly, we're worse of now than we were then (trump).
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What inspired his killers, if it wasn't religious prejudice & violent rhetoric against gays? If Shepard himself wasn't religious, he shouldn't be buried in a church. There are other secure options.
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If his parents are happy with it, then it’s perfect. They’ve waited decades. if they want him there, then he should be there.
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True. His spirit is hopefully now free of all such trivial manners.
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