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Written by Maggi Cage
Mar 24, 2011
It is rare to witness the journey of someone who moves from acts of hatred to redemption, from homophobia and racism to acceptance. But I had this experience at the hate crimes summit held at Marquette University on March 10, sponsored by the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Attendees included law enforcement, government officials and members of the judicial system. Keynote speakers included Dennis Shepard, father of murdered Wyoming college student Matthew Shepard, and Sheriff David O’Malley, who was the lead investigator of that hate-motivated crime.
O’Malley began his talk by revealing his feelings about the gay community prior to his involvement in investigating Matthew Shepard’s murder. He confessed his easy use of the words “fag” and “queer,” along with his disdain for LGBT people.
But through his involvement in the investigation, O’Malley came to understand how his own prejudice and resulting actions fueled the hatred in the community that led to Shepard’s death. He shared his revelations with emotion, offering a window into the grief and regret with which he still struggles. But he also shared the insights of a man who is grateful for the opening of his eyes.
O’Malley had advice for the law enforcement members of the audience. He made an urgent entreaty to them to review their language and any prejudicial perspectives that prevent them from serving all citizens equally.
Dennis Shepard was our lunchtime speaker. A small, neat man dressed in Wrangler jeans and cowboy boots, he stood before a photo of his son throughout his entire talk, never letting anyone in the room forget the young and handsome face. Like O’Malley, Dennis Shepard had sins to confess. He too had been accustomed to using derogatory words for gay people. His journey to redemption was made through the foundation he and his wife started, and the many speaking engagements they have made over the years since the murder. In his statement to the court, he said “was not my gay son. He was my son, who happened to be gay.”
Our last traveler to redemption was a young man from northeastern Wisconsin who participated in the planning and failed attempt of a hate crime against a Hmong family along with several other young people. Their plan to murder a family unknown to the group was foiled by the serendipitous drive-by of a local police car. It wasn’t until much later that the FBI got involved and it was determined that a hate crime occurred.
All of the young people were charged and sent to federal prison for varying terms. The young man who spoke at the Hate Crimes Summit described how the events of his crime had led him to turn his life around. In fact, during the summit he apologized to the mother and father whom he targeted in the failed attack.
This young man now has a steady job and a new baby with his girlfriend. He has served his time and he has benefited from self-reflection, confessing and asking for forgiveness.
Redemption is defined in many ways. I think the stories from the Hate Crimes Summit are about salvation and liberation.
Maggi Cage is executive director of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center.
