We felt lovelypenguin was just the girl for the job, as she (like the rest of us at TU) is passionate about these things. So from here on out, she will bring you information, stories, whatever she can find that relates in some way to what we all love reading about: Slash. You'll see. There won't be any regularity to these posts, at least none as of yet. For now though, here she is with her very first addition.
Welcome to the team, lovelypenguin! And thank you, for joining!
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Hello! And a huge thank-you to Naelany for inviting me to join in here with my recommendations of a slightly different nature. I think she had a wonderful idea for this blog to put some attention on real world crossover subjects as they relate to our favorite slash characters. She thought I might be able to bring that to you, and I will do my best not to disappoint.
My first topic is a tough one, and it is the most real of all. It is the subject of gay hate crimes. Late last year the US finally passed a law that would make it a federal crime to assault an individual because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill is named for Matthew Shepard, a gay Wyoming teenager who died after being kidnapped and severely beaten in October 1998, and James Byrd Jr., an African-American man dragged to death in Texas the same year. I find it hard to believe it has taken this long to recognize Hate Crimes that are based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
I find it even harder to believe such hate filled attacks still occur in the 21st century. They do, and I’ve seen reports as recently as last Friday. However, there is hope as many organizations fight to change all that. One such organization is The Matthew Shepard Foundation whose mission is to support diversity programs in education and to help youth organizations establish environments where young people can feel safe and be themselves. Their goal is to replace hate with understanding, compassion and acceptance.
I picked this topic because it is the closest one to my heart – I can’t even look at a picture of Matthew Shepard without tearing up. The topic is also very timely. There is currently an eBook benefit by DefinatelyStaying and 24 other authors to give an eBook of their stories to everyone who donates to any organization such as The Matthew Shepard Foundation that helps the victims of violent crimes. A list of suggestions is provided. Better hurry!! The deadline is May 31. For more information: http://ebookbenefit.blogspot.com/
Related information:
Related fan fiction (I am certain to miss some, so please let me know of any you know about): At the Deep End by Naelany, Sketchbook Revelations by PolkaDotMama, and Rights of the Fallen by DefinatelyStaying.
If you are lucky enough to be in a city showing the play “The Laramie Project”, I highly recommend seeing it. It is also available as a documentary on Netflix. The Matthew Shepard Story is also a very good movie.
Related YouTube videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx3wMuIqhvY
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