Judy Shepard spoke to a room of 100 people Thursday in the Holmes Student Center’s Carl Sandburg Auditorium, urging them to vote and make a difference.

Shepard’s son, Matthew, was the victim of an anti-gay hate crime at age 21. He was severely beaten Oct. 8, 1998 and died four days later.

After his death, Shepard’s father, Dennis, and his mother started a foundation in his name. Judy now speaks to audiences across the country.

“Take responsibility for the condition of the country,” Shepard told the audience.

The Nov. 2 election can either make or break the gay and lesbian community, Shepard said.

“The current president is not gay-friendly,” Shepard said.

She said everyone must register to vote, and everyone must be an educated voter. Shepard also said that everyone must follow through with decisions and come out and stay out as the person they are.

Individuals also should clearly know who they are and be proud of what they are, Shepard said.

“If you are ashamed, afraid or embarrassed, that’s what you’re going to get back,” Shepard said.

Shepard wanted to make it known that a person can be hated for any reason, and hate crimes can affect anybody.

She said we learn hate from the same places we learn love – our parents, friends and other relationships.

Shepard spoke for an hour and a half, including a 20-minute question-and-answer session. Prior to her presentation, an eight-minute video was shown about hate crimes.

The video included photos of her son and commentary on what kind of person he was. The video also featured photos and discussion of James Byrd, Jr., another a victim of hate crime.

The audience responded warmly to Shepard’s presence. She was given a standing ovation before and after her speech.

Psychology graduate student Julie Alitto felt Shepard delivered a powerful message about voting.

Alitto also liked that Shepard used humor in her speech, such as when Shepard’s son told her he was gay. Shepard said her response was: “What took you so long to tell me?”

“I think her most important message was to vote and to support members of the gay community that you’re friends with or should be friends with,” said psychology graduate student Lisa Davidson.

Shepard finished her speech by saying our society has become “SIC” – silent, indifferent and complacent.

Shepard said it is important to keep talking about the issues at hand and to continue educating others.

“If you don’t express your displeasure in what’s happening, you give it permission to happen,” Shepard said.