Matthew Shepard's Children

Two decades after Matthew Shepard's murder, LGBTQ youth are living in a very different world. For one, kids today can see themselves reflected back in movies, books, TV shows, and millions of YouTube videos. They are marching for their rights in between classes and even speaking in front of Congress. The legacy of that 20-year-old hate crime still resonates in our communities, even among LGBTQ+ youth, many of whom were born after 1998. Here's how six young activists are working to make the world a better place and honor Matt's legacy.

Read the profiles here:
Tyler Oakley
Edwin Bodney
Haley Videckis and Layana White
Shayna Maci Warner
Gio Bravo

Illustration by Raine Bascos
Photography by Luke Fontana
Photo assistant Dillon Matthew
Glam Calvin Scott
Glam Blondie for Exclusive Artists, using MAC Cosmetics
Stylist Aisha Rae
Assistant stylist Angel Cross