T.R. Knight, Matthew Shepard Foundation Kick Off Pride Month

On June 4, Grey's Anatomy star T.R. Knight will join the Matthew Shepard Foundation to help kick off National Gay Pride Month with a symbolic dusk commitment ceremony at the Abbey in West Hollywood. At 8 p.m., couples from around the nation will tie the knot in an event officiated by West Hollywood mayor Jeffrey Prang and witnessed by Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard. The event is sponsored by Love and Pride jewelry (www.loveandpride.com), which is presenting special "Erase Hate" pendants to the couples. All proceeds from sales of the pendants will benefit the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

Judy Shepard, executive director of the foundation, said in a press release, "Wearing the 'Erase Hate' pendant is a great way for people to express how they feel and promote the values of understanding, compassion, and acceptance that were so important to Matthew. It has been 10 years since the death of my son. Although we cannot replace Matthew, we can join together to help spread the message of erasing hate."

Added Mayor Prang, "The city of West Hollywood supports marriage equality and continues to work hard for changes in California law. We will not stop fighting for our rights, as no government can prevent us from loving whom we choose."