Many things are taking place this month. If you missed it, the month of October is Gay History month. For those of you who are history buffs and love learning about the past, this is the month for you! For everyone else, this is a good time to get educated on some things that have affected our lives in the gay community. The past is a reflection of where we came from and where we stand today.

When I think of the past, I automatically think of the event that took place 10 years ago in Wyoming. Although I was only 14 years ago at the time, it was a short time later that I learned the devastating story of Matthew Shepard. It’s incredible how fast time screams by us, yet we should all remember this important tragedy that helped bring gay people a step closer to being accepted and respected as human beings.

Matthew Shepard was a 21-year-old college student in Wyoming. At this point in his life, like most of us, death was probably not a big concern. He was busy living life openly and did not hide the fact that he was gay. Unfortunately, in Wyoming as in every other state, there are those that cannot tolerate people and things that they do not understand.

Matthew was beaten to death by two men he met in a bar and pretended to be gay so they could trick him into going for a ride with them. These two individuals felt it was within their rights to do whatever they wanted to Shepard because he was “different”. After beating him unconscious, they hung his body on a fence along a rural road and left him there alone in the cold night. He was discovered by someone riding by on a bicycle the next morning. He was beaten so badly, she at first thought he was a scarecrow decoration.

I strongly believe this was the wake-up call that got people thinking and talking about gay people in their communities. Someone’s sexual preference does not justify harming another human being. Some people got it; unfortunately, others still do not. But, as the years have past, more people have come to realize we are here among them in every community, and we are not going away. How outrageous is it that Matthew’s death had to be the reason for this awakening. I believe Matthew was sent here for this reason. He never denied being gay and for that, he was killed. I hope that I could also be as brave.

Looking back, ten years ago doesn’t seem that long ago, yet ask the Shepard family and they might beg to differ. During the last ten years, many youngsters as I was then, are now grown adults and many generations are following right behind us. The horrific death of Matthew Shepard should never be forgotten. Though he only became known to most of us through his death, he contributed greatly to the causes of the gay community. Many of those who don’t understand or accept the gay “lifestyle” have come to the realization that NO ONE deserves to be injured or killed because of who they are or how they live. I think Matthew must be very proud of the good that his sacrifice has brought to the world….especially for gay people.

We can honor Matthew Shepard’s memory by mentioning his name and telling his story to others. In doing so, we can add how the world has changed in the last ten years since Shepard’s death. The world continues to rotate day after day, year after year, and it is up to us to keep equality moving forward as we are not about to lose ground in what we have gained to this point.

Because of Matthew, we can be less fearful of coming out. Matthew died on October 12, 1998. Coincidentally, October 11th is National Coming Out day. This is the day where those who are tired of living in the shadows, living a closeted life, are given encouragement to unlock the door within themselves and step into a life they had yet never experienced. All of us, including myself, should take this day to remember when we once were weary and afraid of opening ourselves up to the light of our true identity.

We can now be ourselves and see the progress we have made as a “family”. We are success stories in the making as we still have a ways to go, but the story will continue to progress as we bring light to others we come in contact with. Remember, we have the power to change the world, and it starts with US!

You may be asking why this date was reserved for coming out. It originated on this date to commemorate the first march on Washington by the GLBT community in October of 1987 and was made “official” in 1988. This was a march to draw attention to the world that the gay community deserves respect and acceptance. Reflecting back, I believe there has been outstanding progress. As I have said before, we have a long ways to go, but don’t forget about the positive steps that have been made by others who took the initiative and courage to speak out.

Others have helped pave the way for us, now let us not forget about the next generations to come. When we are no longer here, they will carry the torch into the future. Let’s help them by getting involved in activities that pertain the younger GLBT community. We need to step up our role as adults and show them the endless possibilities that the world as not yet seen! I encourage you to take an active part in your community. If you are one who whines and complains that there are no GLBT activities in your community, get off your butt and start something!

Matthew is an inspiration to all of us, even those who never heard his name. We are more free to be ourselves and live openly because of Matthews sacrifice. We are able to stand up and demand equal rights. Who ever imagined ten years ago that we would be fighting for same-sex marriage? We are making it a reality, and we will succeed some day! Matthew was the spark we needed in the fire. Now it’s up to us to light our spark. With everyone’s spark, we can LIGHT the world in miraculous ways!

Thank you, Matthew Shepard, for a job well done. May you live in each of us and give us your strength and courage to keep your light shining.Until next time, get involved and enjoy life!