matthew shepard

The fatal beating of Matthew Shepard in 1998, an anti-gay crime, sparked nationwide protests -- and a number of powerful literary works.

Today, the anniversary of Shepard's death, is a good time to learn more about the University of Wyoming student, shown here in an undated photo. And here are a few places to start:

-- "The Laramie Project," a Moises Kaufman play that uses a series of monologues to examine the issues surrounding Shepard's slaying.

-- "The Meaning of Matthew" by Judy Shepard, an exploration by his mother, who has become a well-known advocate for gay rights and founder of a foundation that bears his name.

-- "Losing Matt Shepard," by University of Wyoming professor Beth Loffreda, looks at the slaying's legacy in Laramie and beyond.