Senior Zac Davis will never forget the past incidents of hatred that have occurred on Ball State University's campus and around the nation.
"The president [of Ball State's Spectrum] ... a few years ago actually had 'fag' carved into his chest with a hanger," Davis said.
One hate crime that garnered national attention was the death of Matthew Shepard, whose memory was honored Thursday night at a candlelight vigil.
Spectrum, Ball State's gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight alliance, held an annual vigil to honor Shepard, the victim of a hate crime eight years ago.
On Oct. 9, 1998, in Laramie, Wyo., a bicyclist found Shepard burned, beaten and tied to a fence. He had been there approximately 18 hours before he was found, according to the New York Times. After being in a coma, Shepard died on Oct. 12, 1998, and that day is recognized as Matthew Shepard Day.
Thursday night's harsh winds and bitter temperatures emulated the conditions Shepard suffered eight years ago. However, not even the most bitter weather could prevent around 55 people from attending the candlelight vigil for Shepard held on University Green.
"What happened to Matthew Shepard hits kind of close to home," junior Samantha Powell said. "I come from one of those [small-town western] communities ... stuff like that just doesn't happen out there."
Davis, president of Spectrum, said the Shepard incident opened people's eyes to varying levels of GLBT acceptance within communities.
Small steps have been made in the acceptance of GLBT members in their communities, Davis said.
"I think we see [hate crimes] on a lower level here," Davis said. "We've had people screamed at -¡- faggot, queer, lesbian, dyke - you name it, it's probably been screamed at one of our people."
Main Jump
As the students gathered in a circle, sophomore Bonnie Adams was the first to speak about her feelings regarding the Shepard incident. Remembering those who have been hurt by or lost to hate crimes allows the community to remain united, Adams said.
Senior Nathan Smith said support was crucial while handling the difficulties facing the GLBT culture within today's society.
"Nobody's in this alone," he said. "As long as we're in this together no one can stop us."
Members shed tears as they spoke of the struggles they faced as individuals and the struggles they witnessed family members and friends go through, such as being disowned.
Powell emphasized the importance of acknowledging cultural differences while maintaining a certain level of respect.
"People are people and it doesn't matter -¡- race, religion, sexuality," she said. "A person is still a person and you need to show everyone the same respect that you would expect to get from them."
Shepard's tragic death thrust the issues of GLBT acceptance into the national spotlight and forced communities to look inward to evaluate the amount of acceptance prevalent, as opposed to the amount of hate, Davis said.
"Everything you do, with every step you take, you will be someone's Matthew," he said.
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