■ Judy Shepard with George Carrancho at the informal reception at the American Airlines Theater in New York. Photo: Tony Valadez

NEW YORK, March 20, 2008  –  Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard who was the victim of a brutal homophobic murder ten years ago, was given an informal reception by American Airlines in New York on Monday, before going on to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Awards ceremony.

At the reception, Judy Shepherd was present with American Airlines tickets for a Matthew Shepard Foundation fundraiser in Denver next week.

Presenting the tickets, George Carrancho, the sales and marketing manager on American Airlines’ Rainbow TeAAm which focuses on outreach to the gay and lesbian travel market for the international airline, said AA was proud of its friends and partners.

“No one could be more important to us than Judy Shepard and the Matthew Shepard Foundation,” he said.

“Her leadership and commitment to erasing hate and ending bigotry inspires us all so much.  Today, we salute Judy and on behalf of American Airlines, are proud to present her with a special gift of airline travel that we hope she can use to raise more funds for the Foundation's mission.”

Judy Shepard thanked American Airlines and all friends and supporters at the gathering.

“Our annual event – Bear to Make a Difference – is coming up on March 29 in Denver, and we are so grateful for American Airlines’ friendship and generosity that benefits us all in so many good ways.”

Then, it was the short distance from the American Airlines Theater, along Broadway to the Marriott Marquis for the GLAAD awards to receive the Excellence in Media Award in recognition of her work to promote full equality for the LGBT community through the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

“When they asked me to receive this award I laughed,” Judy Shepard said in her acceptance speech.

“I’m just a mom who does what a mom does when something really means a lot to them.  They try to engage their friends and their community and everyone in the same fight.

“That’s what I did.  I appreciate this award so much... [but] I’m no different than anyone else here tonight, or out there in the world, trying to make a difference.”

■The Excellence in Media Award is presented to individuals who, through their work, have increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community in the media.

Some reporting by GayWired

LINKS

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Rainbow TeAAm wbsite

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Posted: 20 March 2008 at 22:00 (UK time)