Judy Shepard

Judy Shepard, born Judy Peck on August 15, 1952, earned a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Secondary Education from the University of Wyoming, where she also pursued post-graduate studies. She and her husband, Dennis Shepard, reside in Casper, Wyoming. Their lives took a profound turn in October 1998 when their 21-year-old son, Matthew Shepard, was murdered in a crime motivated by anti-gay hate. This tragedy sparked global outrage and led Judy and Dennis to channel their grief into meaningful action.

In response to Matthew’s death, Judy and Dennis established the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Judy served as the founding president of its Board of Directors and also as its first executive director from 1999 to 2009. The Foundation is committed to advancing social justice, diversity awareness and education, and equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals, causes Matthew championed during his life. As board president, Judy travels extensively across the United States, speaking to various audiences about fostering acceptance irrespective of race, religion, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, or sexual orientation. Her work has been instrumental in raising awareness and promoting civil rights.

In 2009, Judy Shepard authored a memoir titled ‘The Meaning of Matthew,’ which chronicles her family’s experiences following Matthew’s murder, including the legal proceedings, media attention, and their ongoing efforts in civil rights advocacy. Her dedication culminated in significant legislative achievement with the passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in 2009, which expanded federal hate-crimes legislation to include sexual orientation. Her lifelong commitment to human dignity and equality was further recognized on May 3, 2024, when she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden.