| Matthew Shepard proves as much an angel in death as he did in life. Although I never knew him personally, I have watched just about every movie and read so much about him, I feel like this world has truly lost an incredible person. He was a kind hearted, gentle soul who only wanted to help others. I don't think there was a mean bone in him. The tragedy of his horrible death brought a huge spotlight onto the problem of Hate crimes and the dangers of homophobia. Gay people, like, blacks, Hispanics, Pagans...anyone not fitting into society's view of "normal" or "acceptable" face discrimination and persecution on a daily basis. Being openly gay in America often means a lot of grief and hardship. A lot of times people are disowned by family and friends for being gay. The debate still rages between whether homosexuality is a choice or genetic. Personally I believe whole-heartedly that it is genetic, that the person is born gay. I mean, really, why would anyone choose to be gay of their own free will? It's an incredibly hard life, often filled with much pain. Please, join the fight for gay rights and hate crimes legislation. Don't let this boy, and the many other victims of Hate crimes, go by unjustified. They're people too, and they deserve the same rights as anyone else. What will YOU do to end the hate? |
