Matthew Shepard was born in Casper, Wyoming in 1976 and tragically murdered in 1998 due to his LGBT identity. His death sparked a national outcry and a decade later, the U.S. Congress and President Barack Obama passed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in his honor. This act was a major step forward in protecting the rights of LGBT individuals in the United States.
Age, Biography and Wiki
💰 Net worth: $1.4 Million
Matthew Shepard, a prominent figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, had an estimated net worth of $1.4 million in 2024, tragically cut short by his untimely death in 1998. Born in Casper, Wyoming in 1976, Shepard's life was marked by his compassion, activism, and courage in embracing his own identity. His heinous murder due to his sexual orientation sparked a global outcry, leading to a renewed focus on hate crime legislation and increased awareness of LGBTQ+ issues. Although his life was tragically cut short, Shepard's legacy lives on, inspiring countless individuals and challenging societal norms, making him an enduring symbol of resilience and equality.
About
A decade after the 1998 murder of this LGBT youth, the U.S. Congress and President Barack Obama passed an important piece of legislation known as the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
Before Fame
After studying briefly at Catawba College and Casper College, Shepard entered the political science program at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. While in Laramie, he accepted a ride from Russell Henderson and Aaron McKinney one evening and was subsequently tortured by the young men; comatose, he died in the hospital six days later.
Trivia
His death inspired a popular stage play titled The Laramie Project.
Family Life
He and his younger brother, Logan, grew up in Casper, Wyoming. After their older son's death, Judy and Dennis Shepard established a prominent LGBT Activist organization known as the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
Associated With
During the 2012 to 2013 athletic season, gay professional basketball player Jason Collins wore a number 98 jersey in honor of Shepard and in remembrance of the year in which he was murdered.
