A Conversation with Judy and Dennis Shepard Honoring Matthew Shepard's Legacy

Join us at William Way LGBT Community Center on October 9 for a conversation with Judy and Dennis Shepard honoring the legacy of their son Matthew Shepard, whose untimely passing 25 years ago sparked significant change in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Community members are invited to hear The Shepards’ story and participate in an open Q&A at this special event moderated by Ebony Ali, William Way board member and manager of the young adult leadership program at GALAEI, a QTBIPOC social justice organization.

A Conversation with Judy & Dennis Shepard Honoring Matthew Shepard’s Legacy in the LGBTQ+ Community & Beyond on October 9 is free and open to the public; advance registration is recommended.

This initiative is presented by the Mann in partnership with William Way LGBT Community Center. The Mann is proud to serve as a creative catalyst for civic, youth, and economic development that enriches the lives of our Parkside neighbors and the Greater Philadelphia region, fulfilling our non-profit mission.

We’re honored to welcome Judy and Dennis Shepard to Philadelphia for this special engagement ahead of Considering Matthew Shepard at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts on October 10; find tickets and more information about the October 10 performance below.

Location: William Way LGBT Community Center – Ballroom Address: 1315 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Free admission. Register here

Considering Matthew Shepard – Downstage @ the Mann on October 10

On October 10, GRAMMY®-winning vocal ensemble Conspirare and composer Craig Hella Johnson perform Considering Matthew Shepard Downstage @ the Mann. This three-part choral drama speaks with a fresh and bold voice, incorporating a variety of musical styles seamlessly woven into a unified whole. In addition to the world-class choral performance by the Conspirare ensemble, Hella Johnson sets a wide range of poetic and soulful texts by poets including Hildegard of Bingen, Lesléa Newman, Michael Dennis Browne, and Rumi. Passages from Matt’s personal journal, interviews and writings from his parents Judy and Dennis Shepard, newspaper reports, and additional texts by Hella Johnson and Browne are poignantly appointed throughout the work. The final movement will feature more than 500 local choir singers, led by Philadelphia conductors Rollo Dilworth and Dr. Jay Fluellen.

The intimate Downstage @ the Mann performance setting with audience and artist together onstage offers the ideal environment in which to explore this stunning work in an engaging, welcoming way. The work aims to instill a renewed sense of acceptance, introspection, unity – and above all – hope in all those who attend.