Matthew Shepard was brutally beaten to death and left tied to a fence in Laramie, Wyo. because he was gay.
His death shocked the nation.
In conjunction with Brite Signal Alliance and the Diversity Grant Committee, Greg Pierotti of the Tectonic Theater Project, who travelled to Laramie on several occasions and conducted more than 200 interviews with the community, will visit Sinclair from May 1-3.
“These events give an opportunity to reflect upon our own community right here in Dayton and the campus community about our LGBT youth,” said Robbin Hoopes, co-faculty advisor for Brite Signal Alliance. “So that they are not murdered, bullied, ridiculed, but on the contrary are valued and nurtured, so that in the future they become positive, strong, productive members of our community.”
Shepard’s death occurred 24 years ago, but the themes of intolerance, prejudice and hatred are still present today. Hoopes said that we must be a society that speaks up to eradicate hatred toward LGBT youth.
“It is very easy to steer clear when you have a civil rights struggle going on. It is precisely people not speaking up or not taking action. It’s a quiet complicity that results in a death like Matthew Shepard’s,” Hoopes said. “It’s not just the individuals that beat him…it is the complicity of a community that steered clear and did not speak up.”
Breaking the silence and taking action are some ways that the campus and the Dayton community can help to reduce bullying, ridicule and even death of LGBT youths, he said.
On May 1, from 7-9 p.m. there will be a community reception to welcome Pierotti at the PRESS Coffee Bar in the Oregon district.
“We wanted to make an impact on the community,” said Kathleen Hotmer, costume shop manager for the Theater Department and instructor at Sinclair.
“It is easy to come to school, go get your coffee downtown and not be aware of the things that are happening around you. We really wanted to try to break down that wall of inclusiveness.”
On May 2 at 12-1 p.m. in the library loggia, Pierotti will discuss his involvement with the creation of the play and LGBT Sinclair students will share their perspectives on the themes that are raised in the play.
Hoopes said he is hoping that this discussion will persuade people to think differently, behave differently and inform others of the importance and value of diversity.
In the Quad area outside of Building 7, there will be a staged theatrical event.
“I don’t want to give it away,” Hoopes said. “Just be in the area that day.”
Then at 7 p.m., Pierotti will be presenting readings of The Laramie Project: Ten years later. The members of the Tectonic Theater Project returned to Laramie to find out how Shepard’s death impacted the community. Following the readings, there will be an open panel discussion. The event will be held in the stage area of Building 8.
“These events help us celebrate our differences,” said Stephen Skiles, chair of the Theater and Dance Department.
On May 3, from 7-10 p.m., there will be a diversity walk and candlelight vigil. The walk will begin at the Garden Station in the Oregon District right up 5th street and return to the Garden Station at the end.
“At this point, if one person’s life is changed for the better or if one person is more compassionate toward another or feel valued and accepted as an individual, I will be happy,” Hotmer said.
Laramie project brings the story of Matthew Shepard to Dayton
