How to Use this Study Guide
This is an interactive study guide. It includes links to other websites, news sources, videos, and more. For some discussion
prompts, sample answers are provided in the attached “Discussion Guide” (Appendix 2). Further, writing assignments
that expand on some questions put forth here, for use in composition classes and other writing assignments, are included
and referenced in Appendix 3.
This study guide also highlights the specific disciplines that could benefit from certain questions or discussion points and
how to write across the disciplines using this text. “Writing Styles” refers to questions specifically analyzing the way in
which the play is written.Please contact Professor Annie Nguyen (anguyen@ccbcmd.edu) with questions, concerns, or
suggestions.
Before you read, consider researching and discussing these questions:
1. Have you heard of Matthew Shepard or Laramie, Wyoming before? What do you know of the event
and/or of the community?
a. Before reading the play, it may be helpful for students to view this video, which is a 30-minute
collage of media coverage covering the incident. This video shows many of the individuals later
interviewed and portrayed in the play, scenes of the crime, and scenes of vigils. It also shows
how media covered the story, which is a critical aspect of the play.
2. Political Science, Geography: Compare Baltimore City and County with Laramie, Wyoming. Consider
the area’s population, demographics, and physical environment. (Useful sites may include the US
Census Bureau.) What conclusions can you draw about the differences and similarities in the
communities? Which place seems more representative of the United States as a whole, or not? Why?
3. Arts: Have you ever been in a play? Have you ever seen a live performance? Discuss the difference
between seeing a play acted out live and watching a movie. What are the similarities and differences?
What are your expectations from a play or live performance versus a movie or recording?
4. Writing Style, Arts: The Laramie Project was written after Moisés Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater
group interviewed several residents of Laramie, Wyoming and compiled their views into a play
composed of several monologues. Why would the writers choose to create this in play form? How
would it look different if it were written as a news article or a narrative essay? What does the play
format and the intended production of the play lend to the interview process?
5. Arts, Psychology: (Narrative, Persuasive Essay) A number of artists have created tributes to horrific
events in American history as a way for our country to heal from controversial events. Another tribute to
Matthew Shepard’s death is Neutral Milk Hotel’s Little Birds. A tribute to 9/11 includes the New York
City Ballet’s rooftop performance, meant to usher in a new beginning. Discuss how art can serve as a
tool for healing and therapy. Have you ever created art in response to an intense emotion?
6. Political Science, Criminal Justice: (Definition, Research Essay) What is a hate crime? How does a
hate crime differ from other types of crime? Does Maryland have laws specifically addressing hate
crimes and if so, do the penalties seem more severe than other types of crime? What is the statistic for
hate crimes committed nationwide and statewide in 2011? 2012? 2013? Do you agree or disagree that
penalties for hate crimes should be stiffer than crimes of the same nature but not committed out of a hate
bias? Why or why not?
7. Political Science, Criminal Justice: (Research Essay) How many states have passed laws allowing
marriage equality (or same sex marriage)? What was the first state to pass the law and when? What was
the percentage of people voting to allow same sex marriage in Maryland? What do proponents say for
marriage equality? What do opponents say against it?
8. Psychology, Philosophy: (Definition, Research Essay) What does nature vs. nurture mean? Why do
some people believe that homosexuality is a choice while others do not?
9. Psychology: According to her book The Meaning of Matthew, Matt’s mother Judy Shepard says she
knew he was gay when he dressed up as Dolly Parton for Halloween for two consecutive years. She
admits that some may view this as a stereotypical assumption, but also says she believes “all mothers
have a sixth sense when it comes to their children.”
a. What kinds of behaviors do we tend to stereotype as homosexual? Do you think this is fair? Why
or why not?
b. Discuss the connection between mother (or father) and her (his) children. Would sexuality be
easy or difficult to hide or disguise from a parent?
10. Psychology, Sociology: What does it mean to be part of a minority? Have you ever been or felt like you
were in the minority in terms of your race, culture, sexuality, viewpoint, gender, or some other
determining factor? Describe the situation, how it made you feel, what challenges you faced, and how
you have overcome or coped with these challenges.
Introduction
1. Political Science, History: Kaufman begins his introduction by saying, “There are moments in history
when a particular event brings the various ideologies and beliefs prevailing in a culture into sharp
focus.” Consider what he means by this. Can you think of other historic events when prevailing
American beliefs were questioned or intensely discussed?
2. Political Science, History, Sociology: After Matthew Shepard’s murder, Kaufman says that we started
to “think and talk about homosexuality, sexual politics, education, class, violence, privilege and rights,
and the difference between tolerance and acceptance.” Consider the following:
a. What are sexual politics? How does gender impact our lives? Do you believe women and men
are treated equally in aspects of career, personal lives, within a family, etc? What are considered
“male” and “female” roles? Are these roles shifting or fixed? Why or why not? Research various
careers, such as teaching, nursing, or administration, and discuss how these careers have targeted
different sexes over time.
b. Matthew Shepherd was a student at the University of Wyoming. His killers Russell Henderson
and Aaron McKinney were construction workers, but all three men were known drug users.
i. What do you think is the nexus of drug usage and violence? Does education have any
impact on drug culture or violence?
ii. Research: How many drug arrests occur annually?
c. What is the difference between tolerance and acceptance?
3. Arts, Writing Style: Kaufman says that he was inspired about how to work with his interviews after
reading the Brecht essay, “The Street Scene.”
a. Read Brecht’s essay and then create your own eyewitness play describing a scene that many are
witnessing.
b. What is epic theater? How does it differ from other forms of theater?
4. Arts, Psychology: Kaufman seems surprised that this artistic venture took almost two years to create
and produce. The first performance in Laramie was two years after Shepherd’s death. Consider this
passage of time. Can the production be seen as a way to heal wounds or to reopen them?
Staging
1. Arts: Draw what you imagine the set would look like.
2. Kaufman says that the costumes are “simple: a shirt, a pair of glasses, a hat,” with the intent “to suggest,
not re-create.” What does he mean by this?
3. Arts: There are many individuals listed in the cast for a play of this length. How do you imagine the
play will be written to avoid confusion over cast members?
4. Arts, Writing Style: Paraphrase what Kaufman calls “moment work.” How is it different from
traditional scenes used in plays?
Act 1
Moment: A Definition (What does this title mean?)
1. More than 200 interviews were conducted to complete this play. Some were with people who knew
Matt, his murderers, or their families, and some knew nothing about anyone directly involved. Why did
Kaufman choose to interview other residents of Laramie? What does that say about the impact of the
killing on the community?
2. Writing Style: Sergeant Hing talks about Wyoming having “lots of space,” and Rebecca Hilliker says
the space gives “time for reflection.” Why would the directors choose to open the play this way? What
does it make you think about Wyoming or about a national tragedy occurring here?
3. Sociology, Geography: Hilliker says that people in Laramie “were nicer than in the Midwest.” Do we
tend to think of Marylanders or East Coasters as “nice?” Why or why not? How does geography impact
disposition?
4. Zackie Salmon says that he loves going to the grocery store because he can “visit with four or five or six
people every time.” Do small communities like this feel safer to you or not? Why?
5. Sergeant Hing describes his interaction with a reporter at the scene of the crime. Describe the reaction of
the reporter and the sergeant. What point does he think the reporters are missing?
6. Sociology, Political Science, Geography: On p9, Jedadiah Schultz says, “If you would have asked me
before, I would have told you Laramie is… [a] town with a strong sense of community – everyone
knows everyone. Consider Schultz’s idea of community. What makes up a community to you? Describe
your own community. Are you living in a place with a strong sense of community?
Moment: Journal Entries and Rebecca Hilliker
1. Why does Kaufman make safety rules? Consider the safety of artists and journalists traveling to scenes
of violence or conflict.
a. Research: Amnesty International. What does the organization do? What recent events has
Amnesty become involved with?
b. Consider what happened/is happening with media covering the Michael Brown story. How are
the rights of journalists protected in the U.S.?
2. Kaufman connects with a Hilliker, a theater instructor at the University of Wyoming, in order to find
people to interview. Why would residents be wary of giving interviews? How would you go about
identifying people to interview if you were Kaufman?
a. Composition option: Conduct a profile interview.
b. Creative Writing option: Interview three or more people on their take of the same class or CCBC
Special Event. Combine each person’s perspective into one review of the class or event.
3. Hilliker says that dialogue stopped when the media descended. Why would that be?
4. Hilliker says she’d “rather have opinions that [she] didn’t like” than no opinion at all. Explain her
viewpoint. Do you agree?
Moment: Angels in America
1. Research: Read Kushner’s Angels in America. Create a review this play.
Moment: Journal Entries and Alison and Marge
1. Geography: Kaufman says that his company member tried to describe what chicken fried steak was. What
foods regional to Maryland would you need to describe or explain to an “outsider?”
2. Speech Communications: Pierotti has to ask about the expression “in your all togethers?” What does this
mean? What phrases do you say that are considered regional or sometimes need explanation?
3. Political Science, Sociology: Alison says that unless you work for the university, most people work
minimum wage jobs in Laramie. Marge says that there is a class distinction, and “the educated don’t understand
why the ones that are not don’t get educated.” Do you agree that class distinctions exist between educated and
non-educated people? Are there tensions? What does this lend to Kaufman’s original conceit that this crime
questioned class and economics?
Moment: Matthew
1. Jon Peacock speculates that Matt wanted to go into human rights, which “adds to the irony and tragedy”
(20).
a. Political Science: Research the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. What is the history of
this declaration?
b. Political Science: Which of these rights entitled to all human beings worldwide do you feel is
the most controversial? The most obvious? Why would such a document need to exist?
c. Political Science: Which countries are deemed in violation of the most human rights? Which
ones protect human rights the most? Is this what you imagined? What conclusions can you draw?
d. Political Science: Does the United States do enough to protect human rights at home? Abroad?
Why or why not?
Moment: Who’s Getting What; Easier Said than Done
1. Political Science, Sociology: Doc O’Connor uses several slurs in discussing homosexuals. He refers to
them as “queens,” “faggot-type,” and “queer.” Discuss the power of language and politically correct
terminology. What makes a slur hurtful? Are politically correct terms better? Why or why not?
2. Sociology, Psychology: Catherine Connolly, a UWY faculty member, and Jonas Slonaker discuss how
they are treated as homosexuals in small town Wyoming. Consider if you were a minority (racial,
religious, sexual, cultural) living in a small town. Why might it be challenging? What do you think when
Slonaker says, “imagine if more gay people stayed in small towns?”
Moment: The Word, A Scarf, Lifestyle 1
1. In this section, we are introduced to religion and some spiritual leaders in Laramie. Why do you think
these interviews were included?
2. Why does Zubaida Ula wear a scarf? What is her reaction when others ask her about this? Do you think
you would have the same reaction? Why or why not?
3. Sociology: What are the differences and similarities between Christianity, Islam, Mormonism,
Unitarianism? Where are these religions most dominant? How many followers do these religions have?
What is the history of each religion? Describe cooperation and conflicts among these religions.
Moment: The Fireside
1. History: Wyoming is called the “Equality State” because the state claims the first ballot cast by a
woman “in any free election in the world.” What do you think about this nickname and history in
regards to the Matt’s story?
2. How does Matt Galloway describe Matt Shepherd and his killers Aaron McKinney and Russell
Henderson? How are they characterized by what they order and how they pay?
a. Sociology, Psychology: Do you feel that bartenders/servers, cashiers, and other people in retail
and service sales with whom you interact can make such character assessments based on your
purchases? Why or why not?
3. Kristin Price, Aaron’s girlfriend, says that Aaron and Russell wanted “to teach [Matt] a lesson not to
come on to straight people (31).” Matt Galloway says that the story is not true because Matt would not
want to approach someone who did not have the same sexual orientation, and it was Aaron and Russell
who entered Matt’s territory of the bar, not vice versa. These two stories are important because they lend
to what happen later during the conviction.
a. Political Science: What do you think of the initial defense that Aaron gave, that he was in a rage
from a gay man hitting on him, suffering from alleged “gay panic”? Does this justify beating
someone?
b. After Aaron’s motivation for murder is deemed a hate crime, he reneges on the original defense
and says that he was high and only looking to rob Matt. Do you believe this? Why or why not?
c. Research: Aaron and Russell’s second version of the story is analyzed in Stephen Jimenez’s The
Book of Matt. An interview with Jimenez is found here. What inspired Jimenez to research this
alternate version of Matt’s murder? What do you think of Jimenez’s assertion that Matt’s story is
a “passion play, a folktale?” Do you believe there are other iconic figures in world and U.S.
history who have become larger than their actual story? Cite specific examples.
4. Shadow is the last person to see and speak to Matt before he is murdered, but overall, the conversation is
unimportant. What was the last conversation you had? Do you think you can describe and remember all
of the details?
Moment: McKinney and Henderson
1. Writing Style: Why would the first speaker, who describe Aaron, choose to be anonymous? Describe
what type of behaviors you think would be “acting tough, acting cool?”
2. What are Eagle Scouts? Would Russell being an Eagle Scout say anything about his character? What is
the motto of Boy Scouts? (we later find out he is also ordained)
Moment: The Fence, Finding Matthew Shepard
1. Arts, Speech Communications: Some people have compared the death of Matthew Shepard to the
crucifixion of Christ. Why do you think this allegory has been made?
2.
3.
4.
5.
a. Visual Art Option: Create your own artistic tribute to the
memory of a victim or person whose life was cut short,
either someone you were familiar with or someone whose
story you find in today’s headlines. Research the individual
if needed. What would you incorporate to remember
him/her?
Consider Aaron Kreifels’ story of finding Matthew. Consider what
it would feel like to find someone in Matt’s condition all alone.
Aaron calls the police and tries to wake Matt.
Health Sciences: Officer Reggie Fluty is the one to respond to
Aaron’s call. She later says that she gives Matt CPR and that she handles his blood without gloves
because they break. Matt is later reported as HIV positive. Discuss Officer Fluty’s decisions and the
risks that EMT take as first responders.
Health Sciences: Dr. Cantway says, “Those of us who’ve worked in big city hospitals have seen this.”
What does he mean by this? When was the last time you were in an ER? What do you remember seeing?
Dr. Cantway treats both Aaron and Matt two doors down from each other the same day, not knowing the
connection. Discuss this irony.
Act II
Moment: A Laramie Man; The Essential Facts; Live and let Live
1. Speech Communications: Shortly after Matt is found, news headlines teem with the story of his attack.
Matt Mickelson and Matt Galloway of the bar have a conversation; the hospital chooses a spokesperson.
Why do the sites need to have a central spokesperson?
2. Criminal Justice: The responsibility of visually confirming the killers falls on the bartender. Discuss
eye-witness accounts. Compare them to DNA evidence. What do eye witnesses lend to a murder
prosecution? If no DNA evidence were available, how much should our justice system rely on eye
witnesses?
3. Matt was robbed, tortured, and beaten to death for $20, his shoes, and other items. The murderers now
contend that the murder was not out of gay panic, but rather being high during a robbery. How plausible
is this?
a. Psychology: In a separate interview, Judy Shepard says that stealing Matt’s shoes likely was
torture for Matt since his shoes were stolen after his rape in Morocco. Discuss stress disorders
after trauma and how stealing Matt’s shoes could have caused him stress in addition to the
physical pain he suffered.
4. Speech Communications: Jon Peacock says, “Frankly the media descended and there was not time to
reflect on it anymore (46).” What does he mean by this? How does the media add to or take away from a
tragedy like this?
Moment: The Gem City of the Plains
1. Arts, Writing Style: Consider the setup for this moment: many reporters on stage, fading in and out.
Why would Kaufman choose to write this section this way? What is the overall impact?
2. Speech Communications: Doc O’Connor says that when he was taped for an interview, he taped the
reporters as well. Why would he do this?
3. Governor Geringer responds to a point about hate crime legislation by saying that the people of
Wyoming should not overreact and give “one group ‘special rights over others (48).’” Bill McKinney
later asserts that if Matt had been heterosexual, the story would never have made the (national) news.
Consider both statements. Did Matt’s story get more publicity than deserved? Was the crime, as
Sergeant Hing suggests, sensationalised?
a. What does “sensationalized media” mean? Watch the nightly news and cite specific examples of
sensationalized media. How do graphics and photographs play a role in sensationalizing news?
What words are used that may be emotionally charged?
b. McKinney says his “son is guilty before he’s even had a trial (49).” What does he mean by this?
Argumentative Essay assignment: Consider other nationally televised murder trials – such as the
trial of OJ Simpson and Trayvon Martin. While jury members are supposed to not be influenced
by media, does the media have an impact on trial outcomes? Do they help promote justice, as
Tiffany Edwards suggest? Why or why not? Should media be allowed to cover these trials?
c. Describe the power of the media to vilify (what happened to Aaron or Russell?) or sanctify (what
happened to Matt?). Can you think of other individuals who may have been made into heroes or
villains through (unfair?) media coverage?
Moment: Medical update
1. Health Sciences: What is hypothermia? What are the effects of hypothermia? How long can someone
survive suffering from hyphothermia? How can it be treated?
2. Health Sciences: Matt was on breathing support for several days. What are DNR orders? What are
Maryland’s laws on DNRs and life support?
Moment: Seeing Matthew
1. Describe the reactions of Aaron, Catherine, Matt, and Rob. What do their reactions say about the state of
Laramie after this crime?
2. Health Sciences: Officer Fluty says that you, “Don’t hesitate,” when helping others, even if there is a
medical risk of infection. What are some life-threatening professions? What motivates people to pursue
these professions?
a. Creative Writing Option: Interview a paramedic, ER medical professional, firefighter, or police
officer. Create a profile that reflects his/her motivations and discuss a specific event he/she faced
where life or death was on the line.
3. Health Sciences: What drugs exist to help mitigate the effects of HIV or to prevent its spread? How
many people die of HIV/AIDS annually? In the U.S.? In other countries? Discuss the origin of HIV and
its prevalence in various communities.
Moment: Email, Vigils
1. Writing Style: Read Martin Niemoller’s poem:
When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I wasn't a Jew.
2.
3.
4.
5.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.
The email sent to Philip Dubois says that the people of Laramie are responsible for Matt’s death because
they looked the other way when homosexuals were unfairly treated. Consider these ideas. Are we
responsible for someone’s attack if we do not speak against aggression? What does this say about our
social contract and societal responsibilities?
Political Science, History: Discuss vigils, protests, and marches. How do these civil acts define us or
our humanity? How do they show allegiance or defiance?
Psychology, Sociology, Political Science: Discuss the process of socialization. How often do children
follow their parents’ political or religious beliefs? Does media and the immediate community impact
one’s ideologies? Consider your own beliefs and value systems.
a. Creative Writing Option: Discuss an incident when a value or belief you hold dearly was
questioned or criticized. How did you react? How did it fortify or shake your view?
Political Science, Criminal Justice: Murdock Cooper says, “If you step out of line you’re asking for
it.” What is victim blaming? What do you make out of Cooper’s assertion that this murder is partially
Matt’s fault and partly his killers’?
Slonaker says, “If I don’t tell you I’m a fag, you won’t beat the crap out of me.” What do you think of
this idea? Should you feel safe disclosing your sexuality?
a. History: The U.S. military’s policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” defined how gays were treated in
the military for some time. Describe the policy, its effects, and why it was repealed.
Moment: Shannon and Jen
1. Health Sciences: Research methamphetamine and its effects on users. What are the economic impacts
of meth? Where is meth most commonly used and why?
2. Jen says that Aaron has robbed people before, targeting people who look like they had money. Does
clothing potentially identify people as targets of crime? Explain.
3. Describe how Shannon and Jen react to Aaron’s arrest. Do they seem like friends? What does Shannon
mean by saying they’re “a product of our society (62)”? What is the relationship between society and
drug use and crime?
a. Research which areas/communities suffer the most from drug use and crime. What similarities
do these areas share?
b. What can our society or these communities do in order to address these issues? Research
solutions to the problem and their efficacy.
Moment: Homecoming
1. Think back on your own experiences with homecoming games, dances, and parades. What does
homecoming represent? Why does the tag at the end of the parade move Harry and Matt?
2. Political Science, History: What have colored armbands, bracelets, and ribbons come to represent in
our society? Have you ever used these items to symbolize something else? What was it and why? What
are some of the colors or symbols that you most recognize as symbols of uniting for a cause in our
society?
Moment: One of Ours
1. Political Science, Criminology: What is a hate crime? How does a hate crime differ from other types of
crime? Does Maryland have laws specifically addressing hate crimes and if so, do the penalties seem
more severe than other types of crime? What is the statistic for hate crimes committed nationwide and
statewide in 2011? 2012? 2013? Do you agree or disagree that penalties for hate crimes should be stiffer
than crimes of the same nature but not committed out of a hate bias? Why or why not?
2. Political Science, History: The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act did
not pass until October 2009, 11 years after Matt’s murder. What is the process of enacting national
legislation? Research the process of making this particular bill into law and the voices supporting and
opposing it.
3. Speech Communications: Sherry expresses the feelings that the media made Matthew Shepard into a
“saint” and “martyr,” but she thinks he wasn’t that pure. What do you think about her statement?
4. Sherry says that, “If you murder somebody you hate ‘em. It has nothing to do with if you’re gay or a
prostitute or whatever (65).” Do you agree with this notion that all murder is hate?
5. Speech Communications: Sherry says that a highway patrolman was also killed around the same time
as Matt, but there was no discussion of this murder by the media. The same is true for many murders
across the United States. What makes some cases of murder “news-worthy” and others not?
Moment: Two Queers and A Catholic Priest
1. Speech Communications: Father Schmit says that calling names is “the seed of violence (66).” What
do you think about this? Why does he say this during his interview with Leigh and Greg? Why did
Leigh and Greg want to skip this interview?
Moment: Christmas, Lifestyle 2
1. Andrew Gomez shares a difficult view of prison life. What does his interview reveal about Aaron’s
motives?
2. Research the prison system in Baltimore. What were recent controversies? How does this happen?
3. Writing Style: The Baptist Minister remains unnamed in this piece. Why do you think Kaufman chose
to do that?
4. The minister also says that he hopes that Matt reflected on his lifestyle while he was tied to the fence
and before he slipped into a coma. Share thoughts on this passage.
Moment: That Night, Medical Update, Magnitude, H-O-P-E
1. Health Sciences: Describe the role of medical professionals in delivering the news of people’s deaths.
Why do you think Judy Shepard asks Rulon Stacey to speak on the family’s behalf?
2. Stacey breaks down on national television and then says his hospital received many emails and letters
afterwards. Some were hateful. “I guess I didn’t understand the magnitude with which some people
hate.” Reflect on this passage.
3. Writing Style: What is the impact of Act II ending with Doc’s comment on hope?
Act III
Moment: Snow
1. Arts: Based on the descriptions included, create a re-imaging of the scene of the funeral and/or of the
courthouse during Russell’s trial.
2. History: Who is Reverend Phelps? Discuss his church and teachings. What other events have they
protested?
3. Political Science, History: How do you feel about protests at funerals or trials? Are they inappropriate
or opportune moments to express opinions and make statements?
4. Writing Style: Research the lyrics to “Amazing Grace.” Why is this song chosen as the background for
this moment?
5. Reflect on the images below:
Moment: Jury Selection
1. Political Science, Criminal Justice: Discuss the process of jury selection. Have you ever sat on a trial
or been called for jury selection? What was the experience like?
2. Political Science, Criminal Justice: Is a trial by peers the fairest way to achieve justice?
3. Political Science, Criminal Justice, History: Which states have the death penalty? How often do these
states issue a death penalty? When was the last time the death penalty was carried out? What are the
current challenges with executing the death penalty?
Moment: Russell Henderson
1. Political Science, Criminal Justice: How long are “life sentences?” How can they run concurrently are
consecutively?
2. Political Science, Criminal Justice: Research: What are common sentences and maximum sentneces in
Maryland for the following crimes:
a. Drug use/possession
b. Burglary/theft
c. Domestic/child abuse
d. Rape/sexual assault
e. Drunk driving
f. Murder
Do the sentences seem fair to you? Why or why not?
3. Russell is ordained as a priest at 21, and then after sentencing, Russell is excommunicated from the
Mormon Church. What is ordination? Excommunication? What does this show in terms of the
Mormon’s Church view of Russell’s crime?
Moment: Angels in America
1. Political Science: Debree says, “This is America. You don’t have the right to feel that fear (86).”
Discuss this statement in the context of freedom. Which current groups in America might suffer from
the fear that Debree is speaking of? Has learning about Matt’s life changed how you might feel about the
circumstances of those who are persecuted?
Moment: A Death Penalty Case
1. Political Science, Criminal Justice: Discuss the conflicting views of Laramie citizens regarding the
death penalty for Aaron. Which view most closely aligns with your own of the death penalty and
whether Aaron should face it?
Moment: Aaron McKinney, Gay Panic
1. Political Science, Criminal Justice: In Aaron’s video-taped admission of guilt, he describes Matt as “a
queer… like a fag.” Reflect back on our discussion of the slurs and the violence of words. Do you think
this part of his admission make jurors more or less sympathetic towards him?
2. Who are Harvey Milk and Moscone? What did Milk do to further gay rights?
3. Political Science, Criminal Justice: What is a “twinkie defense?”
4. Psychology: Aaron says that he beat Matt because he came on to him, but several times in testimony,
says that Matt cannot fight back and that he did not feel threatened by Matt. What does this testimony
make you think about Aaron? He then says, “Now, I’m never going to see my son again.” Does this
change your view?
Moment: The Verdict
1. Political Science, Criminal Justice: Definition Essay: Define the difference between first-degree,
second-degree, premeditated first degree, and first-degree felony murder.
Moment: Dennis Shepard’s Statement, Aftermath, Epilogue, Departure
1. Reflect on Shepard’s statement. What do you think of how Dennis feels his son did not die alone? How
do you respond to his forgiveness?
2. Writing Style: Aaron Kreifels answers the question of why God wanted him to find Matt – so “he
didn’t have to die out there alone (97).” Why would Kaufman choose the “Aftermath” moment to
disclose how Kreifels answered this question to himself?
3. Political Science, Criminal Justice: Research: What reforms related to antidiscrimination or hate crime
legislation has occurred in Wyoming since Matt’s death?
4. What do you think of the sparkling lights of Wyoming? Why would Kaufman choose to end on this
note?
For more readings, videos, refer to:
1. Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2555302/
“Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine follows director Michele Josue, a close friend of Matt's, as she travels to
pivotal locations in Shepard’s life, interviewing other friends and family members, and gaining insight into the
beautiful life and devastating loss of Matthew Shepard.
While we've come a long way in the last fifteen years, LGBT inequality and hate crimes are still very real today,
and parts of Matt's story are unfortunately still very much a part of young people's realities. Though framed
through a very personal lens, Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine tells a universal story that highlights
the responsibility we have now to make sure young people around the world are not at risk of falling victim to the
same story ending Matt was.”
2. The Crucifixion of Matthew Shepard. http://www.vanityfair.com/society/features/1999/13/matthewshepard-199903
This newsmagazine article gives more background on both Matt and his killers. This piece is written in
true journalistic styling, and includes some of the quotes from the play, but in a different context. The
article also reveals how Matt had been depressed after being raped while in Morocco, and how Aaron
and Russell had many other thefts on their record before encountering Matt.