Queer as Folks
Twin Events Mark 10-Year Anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s Death
On October 13, Judy Shepard visited Minneapolis to speak to a crowd of hundreds during a candlelight vigil in Loring Park. The event was organized to mark the 10th anniversary of the brutal beating and death of her gay son, Matthew Shepard, outside of Laramie, Wyoming.
During her speech, Judy said, “Things are going to get better. As my husband, Dennis, says, ‘It’s been 10 years of change, but no progress.’”
Those in attendance remained silent as she spoke. They were surrounded by a group called Angel Action, which dresses in large angel wings to protect those who attend gay events from having to see or hear protesters.
Judy and ticketholders went across the street to The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis Theater for a presentation of The Laramie Project. A number of people read from the script, including local native T.R. Knight, best-known for his Grey’s Anatomy role as George.
On October 7, 1998, Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson beat Matthew, and left him tied to a fence post, until a passerby found him 18 hours later. He died October 12.
Matthew’s parents set up the Matthew Shepard Foundation, which aims to provide safe, supportive environments for young people, and to end hatred toward gays and lesbians.
November 11 Celebration Marks PrideAlive 10th Anniversary
On November 11, 7-9 PM, PrideAlive celebrates its 10th anniversary at Intermedia Arts in Minneapolis.
PrideAlive started 10 years ago with a grand goal of eliminating HIV infection. Though it has yet to reach this goal, the organization still is working very hard to do so.
With the motto of taking it to the streets, PrideAlive goes wherever the action is to be found. It works in bars, chat rooms, and public parks to provide knowledge of safe sex and supplies.
PrideAlive not only tries to prevent people from getting HIV, but also makes sure they know if they have the virus, and where to obtain help. OUTreach workers offer free HIV testing at bars and coffee shops.
Help PrideAlive help you by joining its 10-year celebration, with food, drink, and drag.
PrideAlive 10th Anniversary
Nov. 11, 7-9 PM
Intermedia Arts 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls./(612) 871-4444
www.pridealive.org
