Statement: I am so happy that the film ‘Matt Shepard Is A Friend Of Mine’ is going to be part of this wonderful festival. Personal stories are crucial in the advancement of everyone’s civil rights and freedoms. People should know they are not alone in their struggle and that many are fighting beside them to achieve for equality for all. Since losing our son Matt to a brutal anti-gay hate crime in 1998, we have made it a priority to share our story of loss. We are hoping that the strength of families and their love for one another will overcome such prejudice and fear that face the members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, and Transgender communities worldwide.