The horrific 1998 murder of 21-year-old college freshman Matthew Shepard brought the issue of hate crimes against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people to the attention of the American people. The Matthew Shepard Foundation lobbied hard along with other LGBT groups, and in 2009 the federal hate crimes law was amended to include violence against LGBT people for the first time. In spite of the legal victory, however, the fear and hatred of LGBT people persists around the world. Learn about the fight for LGBT civil rights and why an end to prejudice against LGBT people is important for all Americans. And learn about the ways young people––straight and gay––are working together toward mutual understanding, respect, and a better future for all of us by ending homophobia.
