An open letter from Ben Cartwright…
Ten years ago, on October 12, 1998 the nation was devastated by the atrocious hate-based murder of Matthew Shepard, a young gay college student from Wyoming. There has been some expansion of hate-crimes legislation and protection across the country, but not enough. Matthew’s death on made us all realize that not everyone had latched onto the “Gay 90’s” mentality. Things weren’t so great then — and they still aren’t today. I will never forget that date ten decades ago. I was 18, had just come out, was in my first semester at SDSU and had just mustered up the courage a week earlier to attend my first meeting of the school’s LGBT Student Union. When I heard the news of Matthew’s death I was angry, devasted, saddened, confused and scared. I hadn’t been a part of the LGBT community long enough to have dealt with a major issue like this. The next July, I was standing on the corner that was tear gassed during the 1999 San Diego Pride Parade. Since then, I have been taunted, egged and chased at knifepoint by a group of adult teenagers through Balboa Park calling me and my partner “faggots.” It is important for us to set politics aside and remember Matthew Shepard and everyone else who has been a victim of a hate crime.
A notable hate crime also occured in Hillcrest on December 13, 1991 when teenager John Wear was stabbed to death on Essex Street because he was perceived to be gay. In 2006, a group of men were attacked outside the Pride Festival in Balboa Park. Members of our transgender community continue to be victims of hate. I had hoped that a large event or memorial would be organized locally to remember the 10-year anniversary of Matthew’s murder. Not only to honor him, but everyone that has been victimized. Unfortunately, nothing was planned for San Diego. So, with limited resources, the Pride Resource Office of SDSU is planning two small memorials, and we hope the community will take a moment to participate.
Tomorrow (on Sunday) volunteers will be on the 1000 block of University Avenue passing out purple ribbons and collecting donations for the Matthew Shepard Foundation. A small memorial will be set-up at the John Wear Hate Crimes Plaque in front of Obelisk Bookstore. Feel free to bring items. On Monday similar activities will take place on the SDSU campus on North Library Walkway where you may also sign a giant memorial. This is just a small way of remembering our friends and loved ones who have been affected by hate. We hope you will take just a moment to remember and make a difference.
