- His murder led to the U.S. Government passing new laws regarding hate crimes.
- His mother is a prime force behind the "Matthew Shepard Foundation", which supports diversity and tolerance in youth organizations. The group was founded, in December 1998, by Dennis Shepard and Judy Shepard, in memory of Matthew.
- Died after being brutally beaten to death in the night of October 6th in Laramie, Wyoming. He was found around 6pm, 18 hours after being victim of a brutal attack in a gay hate crime.
- Son of Judy Shepard and Dennis Shepard. Brother of Logan Shepard.
- The story about his death has been made into a movie: The Matthew Shepard Story (2002)
- The Laramie Project (2002) is another film about the death of Matthew Shephard.
- Dear Jesse (1997) premiered 2 days before he was killed.
- Many musicians, including Elton John, Peter Paul & Mary, Melissa Etheridge, Thursday, and Trivium, wrote songs about Shepard and his murder.
- In February 1995, during a high school trip to Morocco, he was beaten and raped, causing him to experience depression and panic attacks.
- His facial injuries were so severe he was covered in blood except in areas which had been partially cleansed by his tears.
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