Dear friends,
i had the privilege to meet Judy and Dennis Shepard, parents of Matthew Shepard yesterday.
It was emotional for me – because Matthew was a year younger than me, and when he was viciously attacked in 1998, i was still a young gay man in university, struggling to figure out life, out only to a few people. His death did affect me.
I asked Judy if i could hug her when i met her. And she gave me a big one.
Then she shared with me she met an Episcopalian priest the last time she was in Singapore in 2013. I certainly didn’t know any Anglican priest in Singapore who is LGBTQ friendly back in 2013. “He was diminutive in stature.” And i asked her, choking up a little, “Did he walk with a limp?” “Yes.”
More emotions surfaced. It was Rev Yap Kim Hao who met her.
i am so grateful for the Shepards’ continuing work to advocate for a world that embraces the dignity and equality of all people, and a world free from hate.
All this reminded me – we are called to be salt and light of the world.
i look forward to seeing all of you this Sunday.
Shalom,
miak