Peeling the Onion: From Matthew Shepard's Murder to "Don't Say Gay"

This book weaves glimpses of some of the author’s experiences; intertwined with the experiences of friends, family and acquaintances; in his half-century journey to understand the impact of oppression and trauma on his life and the country. The author explores how the murder of his young friend Matthew Shepard, and being briefly thrust into the national spotlight, affected the direction and focus of that journey. The book chronicles his movement from the deafening silence of growing up in the “don’t ask don’t tell” environment of Wyoming; through that horrific murder; and into decades of painstakingly slow, positive, change toward social justice; accompanied by a growing negative backlash culminating in “don’t say gay” and other hate-based legislation.

Walter T. Boulden, PhD is a retired Associate Social Work Professor with over twenty years of experience researching and teaching cultural competency, social justice and community development. He has nine published articles in peer-reviewed professional journals and books. Moreover, he has facilitated group and community dialogue; administered community based programs; provided direct human services in both rural and urban settings; and presented to multiple audiences at the national, regional, and local levels for over twenty-nine years. He is committed to continuous education and active advocacy for social justice and the rights of all people; with the intent of eradicating hatred and violence, helping people and communities reach their fullest potential, and alleviate the obstacles that prevent them from accessing the opportunities necessary to do so.

Customer Reviews

5.0

3 reviews

G D Sevil

I just finished reading Peeling The Onion From Matthew Shepard' Murder to Don't Say Gay by Walter T Boulden. It has been decades since I read a book from cover to cover in three days. This is a MUST READ for all readers. It reads like a good novel, but is a true story with solid research. The book covers far more than LGBTQ issues. It is a well crafted, leading the reader into a sophisticated discussion of discrimination, privilege, and gut-wrenchingly honest self reflection. It made me cry, think, question, and left me resolved to be more active in questioning my own assumptions and becoming a better ally for all targets of oppression!
Anonymous

I am a 20-year-old junior at Washington University in St. Louis. I just wanted to leave a note regarding your recent book. Having only learned about the Shepard case this year, I was touched by your narrative-like accounts and factual story-telling. As a gay reader living in 2023, I was fascinated learning about the dynamics of the late 90s as they played out in the days, weeks, and months after October 6, 1998. Many references you make in the book align with bits of media I've seen (e.g., the 1998 20/20 report). Recently, I was able to do some research in the archives of the American Heritage Center, which contains files of the print and television coverage during that time. I can see you knew who Matt was better than most. I think it's amazing that you are able to amplify his voice and his story in 2023. It's still very, very important. He sounds like someone who had a bright future and had dreams--and his life mattered. I found myself wiping away tears with each page of description. Of course, like me, I know you can appreciate the great work Judy and Dennis have done in his name. Thanks for your insights.
Michael Thornton

Your book is most impressive, It captured me in the first two chapters. They are powerful and moving. They brought me to tears. It seems overwhelming in the vast amount of work required organizing the quantities of information, research, experiences, ideas, and themes—interweaving and correlating and bringing all to a united whole.

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