September 1, 2023
Watch: 25 Years Later, New Special Probes Matthew Shepard's Life and Death
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
A quarter century after Matthew Shepard's murder, the horrific crime – a watershed moment in the LGBTQ+ struggle – and its aftermath comes in for renewed scrutiny in a new documentary.
"The Oct. 9 premiere of 'The Matthew Shepard Story: An American Hate Crime' on Investigation Discovery (ID) will honor Matthew Shepard's life and legacy," People Magazine reported.
"With interviews from Shepard's friends and allies, local journalists and community members, as well as key celebrity voices who were deeply affected by Matthew's story including Rosie O'Donnell, Andrew Rannells and Adam Lambert, the documentary special will also focus on the progress society has made since his passing and the work that still needs to be done."
"When Matthew Shepard, a gay college student, was brutally tortured and left for dead in Wyoming, this shocking act of violence captured the nation's attention and sparked a debate about the discrimination, danger and violence that many LGBTQ+ Americans face," a press release for the two-hour doc says, noting that the special "is a timely tribute to Matthew's story at a time when the LGBTQ+ community is once again under attack."
"Matthew's story remains just as heart wrenching and relevant today as it was 25 years ago," said Jason Sarlanis, President, Turner Networks, ID & HLN, Linear and Streaming.
"This tragedy ignited an incredibly emotional and influential chapter in the fight against LGBTQ+ discrimination that brought great progress," Sarlanis added. "By revisiting Matthew's story, we hope to educate a whole new generation and underscore the power love and acceptance play in continuing the fight against violence and discrimination in all its forms."
Shepard's killers attempted to use the "gay panic" defense, People Mag recounted, "and said they beat Shepard because he made an alleged sexual advance," but they were found guilty and sentenced to two life sentences each. They remain in prison today.
"Since Shepard's murder, his parents, Judy and Dennis, have channeled their grief into fighting for LGBTQ+ rights through The Matthew Shepard Foundation and providing support to LGBTQ+ youth through Matthew's Place," the magazine noted.
"In 2009, Shepard's name was attached to a federal hate crimes prevention act signed by then-President Barack Obama that extended existing hate-crimes laws to include gender and sexual orientation."
"The Matthew Shepard Story: An American Hate Crime" is scheduled to air Oct. 9 on Investigation Discovery. The doc will subsequently stream on Max.
Watch the special's trailer below.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
