Matthew Shepard's parents head to Russia to confront homophobia there

[stevenleser]

Brave folks, I fervently hope they remain safe.

http://news.yahoo.com/matthew-shepards-parents-head-russia-211916300.html

NEW YORK (AP) — The parents of a gay U.S. college student tortured and murdered in 1998 are traveling to Russia on Friday to spread their message of tolerance and acceptance in a country where anti-gay policies and attitudes are widespread.

The centerpiece of their five-day trip is a gay film festival in St. Petersburg at which a documentary film about Matthew Shepard will be shown and discussed. The film's director, Michele Josue, a high school classmate and close friend of Matthew's, will be accompanying the Shepards on the trip.

Matthew Shepard, at the time of his murder, was a 21 year-old student at the University of Wyoming. His death became a rallying cry for the U.S. gay-rights movement and was a factor in the passage of federal hate-crimes legislation in 2009.

The Shepards also will visit Moscow, and are hoping to meet with Russian parents who have gay or lesbian children.

[joeybee12]

1. Good for them, and I hope the visit is a safe one...knr

[shenmue]

2. Yeah

I hope they are all right.

[closeupready]

3. What a beautiful way to honor Matthew's life and spirit -

helping the world to rise above senseless hate. To say nothing of their bravery, in a scary place which today's Russia seems to be towards anyone less than fascist.

[Cha]

4. Best wishes to the Shepards in Russia.. mahalo steven

[LostOne4Ever]

5. What a brave family

[font style="font-family:papyrus,'Brush Script MT','comic sans MS',fantasy;" size=4 color=teal]I hope the Russian People listen and are inspired to demand their laws be changed.[/font]