Matthew Shepard Foundation
@MattShepardFDN
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Replacing hate with understanding, compassion and acceptance for over 25 years in honor of Matthew Shepard. Help us #EraseHate!
Denver, CO
Joined June 2009
This June, as we gather with Pride and approach the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Foundation, we ask that you join us in remembering Matt and sharing his legacy with your friends, family and neighbors.
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Judy and Dennis were proud to represent Wyoming tonight and represent our efforts to #EraseHate in our nation.
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Twenty years ago today, Matthew Shepard was taken from a bar, robbed, beaten, and tied to a fence. His killers left him to die without remorse or conscience because he was gay. This crime was the impetus for the Foundation and we have been working to #EraseHate for two decades.
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On this day, 21 years ago, Matthew Shepard died, becoming the victim of one of the most notorious anti-gay hate crimes in this nation’s history. Today, we challenge you to not grieve for Matt, but instead celebrate his legacy by taking action. Learn how:
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“This unexpected honor has been very humbling for me, Dennis, and our family. What makes us proud is knowing our President and our nation share our lifelong commitment to making this world a safer, more loving, more respectful and more peaceful place for all.". -Judy Shepard
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Today we remember and honor the 49 individuals lost at Pulse 8 years ago.
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Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. Today, and every day, Erase Hate.
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Thank you, Ellen.
It’s been 20 years. My heart still breaks for Matthew Shepard. It breaks for every young boy or young girl whose life is cut short because of who they are. I will never stop fighting for them.
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Please join us in wishing Judy and Dennis a happy 50th wedding anniversary.
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MSF is excited to announce that @RandyRainbow will be honored as a 2022 Making a Difference Award honoree. Randy Rainbow (yes, that’s his real name) is a New York Times best-selling author and Emmy nominated American comedian. For Gala tix or info visit
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"God bless Judy, Dennis, and all those who are grieving and remembering Matthew today." - President Joe Biden
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Thank you for sharing your remembrances of Matt over the past few days. Your support is truly essential in helping to find light during a dark time. #EraseHate
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Commemorating 25 Years of the Matthew Shepard Foundation
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We are delighted to announce our 2023 Dennis Dougherty Award for Community Leadership honoree: @Chasten Buttigieg. Tickets Coming Soon!
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“We at the Foundation are devastated to hear the news about our dear friend Leslie Jordan. He was a past honoree of our Making a Difference Award in 2009 and recently joined us again in 2020. I am sure we aren’t the only folks heartbroken to hear of his passing.
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"I have three things I want to say to Matt: .Gently rest in this place. You are safe now. Welcome home." - Rev. Gene Robinson. Amen.
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Join us in supporting the Matthew Shepard US Postage Stamp Campaign, advocating for the establishment of a commemorative US Postage Forever Stamp featuring Matt’s image. Learn more and sign the petition at
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Today is Transgender Day of Visibility, and we celebrate all the transgender, gender diverse and non-binary members in our community of activists and allies. Erase Hate with Love. #TransDayOfVisibility #TDOV
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10/6/98: Matthew Shepard left the Fireside Bar in Laramie, WY with the two men who would eventually kill him. Today we remember.
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Time is running out to get your Bear to Make a Difference gala tickets and participate in our auction – you could take home a Baby Taylor guitar signed by seven-time Grammy winner @taylorswift13! 🎸❤️🌈. Help us #EraseHate and get your tix today:
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Twenty years ago today, Matthew Shepard succumbed to his injuries caused by one of the most atrocious anti-gay hate crimes in history. He was 21 years old, which means he's been gone almost as long as we had the pleasure of having him in our lives.
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Although two decades have passed since Matt’s death, we know his story still has the power to change hearts and minds. We ask you to stand with the Matthew Shepard Foundation and take action today:. #EraseHate
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We are currently receiving donations on behalf of Karen Pence. We are happy to send her a note should anybody donate to honor her. 😇 😎 .
At the school where Karen Pence works, job applicants must sign a pledge against homosexual activity, transgender identity and “other violation of the unique roles of male and female.”
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Thank you to @katiecouric and @TODAYshow for honoring Matt's legacy and highlighting the work we do here at the Foundation to #EraseHate:
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Thank you, @senmarkey & @joekennedy! It's high time for gay panic defense to be illegal. “These defenses have no place in either our society or justice system and should be legislated out of existence.".
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tHouGhTs aNd pRaYErs.
Kim Davis, the anti-LGBTQ Kentucky clerk who refused to validate same-sex marriage certificates in 2015, is on the verge of losing her reelection bid. #ElectionNight.
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Something that is often lost in Matthew's story is that he was HIV+ at the time of his murder. Tomorrow is World AIDS Day. We cannot erase hate until we end stigma for those living with HIV. #WorldAIDSDay #EraseHate
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As we prepare to celebrate the holidays with our families, both biological and chosen, we ask that you join us in remembering the five lives lost at Club Q in Colorado Springs, CO one year ago.
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We are thrilled to honor trailblazing actor and activist @wcruz73 with this year's Making a Difference Award! . For Bear to Make a Difference Gala tickets and info:
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Today we honor Matt on what would have been his 47th birthday and we celebrate #WorldAIDSDay by highlighting people living with HIV and remembering those who lost their lives to AIDS.
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18 years ago today, a family, and a nation, was changed forever by an act of senseless violence. #RememberMatt
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Join us in congratulating Judy Shepard on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Judy, along with 18 others, will be presented with the award today during a ceremony at the White House. Read more:
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Today, we #RememberMatt & thank stars like @TylerOakley and @troyesivan for being excellent examples to future generations of #LGBTQ youth.
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Thanks to the 640 amazing supporters who joined us in Denver for the 2023 Gala commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, we raised $579K in efforts to Erase Hate. Special thanks to our honorees: @theebillyporter, @Chasten, and @bafproject! #EraseHate
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Not everybody knows that #MatthewShepard was HIV+. It's important to remember the person, not just the symbol. #WorldAIDSDay
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Judy and Dennis discuss 25 years of working to make the world a safer place for the LGBTQ+ community, the work still to be done in fighting anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and bias, and why you should run for office:
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Happy holidays to you all from the Shepards!
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Thank you @CapehartJ and @Chasten for discussing the legacy of Matthew yesterday.
.@Chasten on the murder of Matthew Shepard: “I remember how much of a story it was and it sort of showed me from a very young age, ‘this is what happens to gay people in this country.’ … So it scared me from a very young age.” #PostLive
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We are so honored. Thank you, @HRC. #erasehate.
.@HRC Foundation is honored to present longtime allies and #LGBTQ advocates Judy and Dennis Shepard with the Upstander Award for their tireless advocacy after their son Matthew’s horrific murder 20 years ago. #TimeToTHRIVE
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We are relieved and pleased to know that Matt's final resting place will be among other American heroes and dignitaries. It's exactly where he belongs.
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Thank you to those who have shared their stories, remembrances and sympathies in the last few days. As you join us in remembering Matthew today, we ask that you support the Matthew Shepard Foundation with a financial gift that allows us to continue to change hearts and minds,.
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10/12/98: Matthew was pronounced dead 19 years ago. Almost 2 decades later, we continue to #EraseHate in his name.
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Please join us today in sharing a brief moment of love and remembrance, on what would have been Matthew’s 43rd birthday. And please join us tomorrow for the Matthew Shepard memorial plaque dedication, streaming live from the Washington National Cathedral:
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Judy, Dennis and the staff of Matthew Shepard Foundation wish you a holiday filled with light and love. Thank you for your dedicated support throughout the year, and into the new year. There is a lot of work to do. You can donate here:
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Happy birthday, Matt. 💜.
Tomorrow, Matthew Shepard would have been 42 years old. Below, please see a message from our Executive Director Jason Marsden, who was a personal friend of Matt's.
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Today, Dec 1, would have been Matt’s 44th birthday. Our work is an extension of his passion to foster a more caring & just world. Today is also #GivingTuesday, and donations of $50 or more will be matched $1-for-$1 up to $10,000. Donate to #EraseHate:.
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Before we gather tonight in Denver to raise critical funds for our next 25 years of working to Erase Hate in honor of Matt’s legacy, please take a few moments to listen as Judy and Dennis reflect on the first 25 years of the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
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This week, we're forced to reflect on the passage of time. It's been 20 years since we lost Matt, and while that grief never goes away, the work that has been done in his name keeps us going. Thank you for sharing our story, @OutFrontMag. #EraseHate #MSF20.
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Please join us today in remembering the 49 individuals lost at Pulse seven year ago.
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Many of Matt’s childhood possessions now belong among other incredible artifacts from American history at the @Smithsonian. They will be preserved forever. #MSF20.#EraseHate
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“I think that this is a moment in time . people will wake up and go, ‘This is really not what I want my country to be.' But in the meantime, it’s hurting kids, especially trans kids and gay kids. And yes, so that, that worries me . ”.
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Today we remember the 438 trans people who have passed away in 2023. See the eulogy and full list of individuals gathered by The National Center for @TransEquality:
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We are proud to confirm that the @smithsonian will be taking Matthew's things. He and his things finally will be safe for eternity -- something that was not a reality while he was alive.
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Tomorrow, Matthew Shepard would have been 42 years old. Below, please see a message from our Executive Director Jason Marsden, who was a personal friend of Matt's.
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Send ❤️ today to those who are out and proud. Send ❤️ today to those who are unable to come out. Send ❤️ today to those who are still figuring it all out. Erase Hate. Send ❤️ today on National Coming Out Day. #EraseHate #NationalComingOutDay
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While past studies have focused on the importance of parents who accept their LGBTQ children, this new @TrevorProject report goes father, finding out that any supportive adult can make a difference:
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Katie Couric was the first to interview Judy and Dennis Shepard after the loss of their son in 1998. On Thursday, October 19, Katie will reunite with the Shepards on @TODAYshow in commemoration of 25 years of the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
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Trans people are not a burden. Trans people are not a burden. Trans people are not a burden. Trans people are not a burden. Trans people are not a burden. Trans people are not a burden. Trans people are not a burden. Trans people are not a burden. Trans people are not a burden.
Trans people are not a burden. Trans people are not a burden. Trans people are not a burden. Trans people are not a burden. Trans people are not a burden. Trans people are not a burden. Trans people are not a burden. Trans people are not a burden. Trans people are not a burden.
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ICYMI: This is unacceptable. “President Donald Trump's solicitor general told the Supreme Court Tuesday that businesses should be able to hang a sign in their window that announces they won't serve LGBT customers.”
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Our 2022 Spirit of Matthew Award recipient is @zandermoricz, a key plaintiff in the “Don’t Say Gay” lawsuit against Governor DeSantis and the state of Florida. Join us in honoring Zander on October 8th at the 2022 MSF Gala in Denver, CO. Get tickets at
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“My heart is broken when people still refuse to see how important this work is. It might scare some kids. And it might wake some kids up. And it might make kids want to make change — all of those things. And they have the power to do it.” - Judy Shepard.
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Special thanks to a Foundation friend who placed this beautiful bouquet for Matthew at the Cathedral on Easter morning.
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Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. From lack of civil rights protections to continued criminalization in some countries, LGBTQ+ individuals face hate and oppression all around the world. #IDAHOTB
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Virginia lawmakers passed a bill that will ban the use of a person’s perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity as a defense in court. Thank you to all involved, particularly the leadership of @pwcdanica @LGBTBar in this effort. #EraseHate.
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“Today, we are banning the horrific practice of conversion therapy in Michigan and ensuring this is a state where you can be who you are.” - Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
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We continue to work for a more compassionate world where everyone can safely, freely and proudly live their truths. #NationalComingOutDay
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#OTD in 2009, President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act – a law that added federal protections against crimes based on gender, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Forever thankful that the Shepards never gave up.
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On this date in 2009, eight years after it was first introduced, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama.
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Photos from this year’s Matthew Shepard Foundation Gala are up on the Gala page on our website! Thank you again to everyone who supported this critical fundraiser and visit this link to explore all the photos!.
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And the @ACLU would be watching him on this, too.
Sen. Sessions says at confirmation hearing that he would respect Roe v. Wade and same-sex marriage as AG:
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"As we commemorate this anniversary, let us vow to continue to tear down barriers to justice, root out hatred wherever it takes hold and build a fairer future for generations to come.” - @SpeakerPelosi. #EraseHate
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For those of you taking the time to remember Matthew this week, we urge you to take the Heart/Fence Challenge. 💜 Print one out. 💜 Write something kind on the back. 💜 Place it on a fence in your community. 💜 Take a photo and post it with #MSF20! .
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"For the past 20 years, we have shared Matt’s story with the world. It’s reassuring to know he now will rest in a sacred spot where folks can come to reflect on creating a safer, kinder world.” - @WyoJudyShepard.
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📷.Everyone deserves the right to be themselves. Today, and every day, we fight for the rights of people to live their lives authentically and freely. Happy International Non-Binary People's Day!. #InternationalNonBinaryDay #NonBinaryPeoplesDay #EraseHate
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Wyoming is one of just three U.S. states lacking hate crimes legislation for any marginalized group, whether the victim is LGBTQ+, Native American, Jewish, Muslim, or a person of color. Could 2021 be the year?. Read more via @them:.
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Thank you to our generous volunteers who worked the Matthew Shepard Foundation booth at Denver Pride this weekend and those who walked with us in the parade!
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When the light hits the stained glass windows of the @WNCathedral, a rainbow is created at Matt's final resting place. Please join us Dec 1 for an online prayer service celebrating the life of Matt on what would have been his 44th birthday.
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"I'm ecstatic that the #RespectForMarriageAct passed, but it is not the answer to everything. We can expect a challenge to Obergefell will be headed to SCOTUS. And we still have no federal job or public accommodations protection. It's time to pass the Equality Act!"- Judy Shepard
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Send love to those who are out and proud. Send love to those who are unable to come out. Send love to those who are still figuring it out. Help us Erase Hate. Send love on National Coming Out Day. #EraseHate #NationalComingOutDay
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A special #NationalComingOutDay shout out to our partner organizations who are committed to creating a safe, diverse and welcoming nation for LGBTQ youth - @GLSEN @TrevorProject @GSANetwork @PFLAG @campuspride and @HRC. If you're not following them, what are you waiting for?
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“All young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe & supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential.”- Harvey Milk. On #HarveyMilkDay, we pause to remember the pioneering gay rights activist & his work in erasing LGBTQ discrimination.
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On this #WorldAIDSDay, which happens to also be Matthew Shepard’s birthday, we must acknowledge this part of his story.
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Today marks 5 years since the massacre at Pulse at Florida. Remember the 49 lives lost. Support the traumatized survivors. Honor all those touched by this tragedy. Erase Hate.
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Please join us in wishing Judy a happy birthday!
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Please consider honoring Matt’s memory today with a generous gift to the Matthew Shepard Foundation. To donate text MATT2020 to (844) 333-5897 or visit #EraseHate
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Read more for statements from Judy Shepard and Wyoming Equality director Sara Burlingame:
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"In particular, we welcome those of you who are gay or lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer. Many of you have been hurt by your own religious communities, and I want to welcome you back.". #RememberMatt.
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As of 2020, around 1 out of every 5 hate crimes committed in the U.S. were motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias, according to the U.S. Dept of Justice. The fuel for much of this violence has been rhetoric spread by white nationalists, extremists, and politicians.
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Please join us in celebrating the local artists and communities raising their voices to share Matthew's story this Pride month. To request resources for your production, please visit
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Thank you for lending your voices to this @TheAdvocateMag story about #LaramieALegacy, @theebillyporter @AsiaKateDillon & @Adaripp! 💕. We can’t wait to #EraseHate with you on Monday.
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With Tennessee's anti-drag bill found to be unconstitutional, it was a particularly proud weekend for MSF as we joined the wonderful people of TN for Franklin Pride and Memphis Pride events!
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Please join us today in-person or online as we remember Matthew. Learn more via @WNCathedral:
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Tune in June 2nd for a special #SVU Pride Marathon on @USA_Network. MSF will be joining @EraseTheHate in celebration & commemoration of #PrideMonth & #Stonewall50.
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