Attendees of the candlelight vigil hosted by Ford’s Theatre Society in honor of Matthew Shepard and National Coming Out Day in Washington, D.C., October 11, 2013. Photo

From: Photo Flash: Ford's Theatre Holds Vigil for Matthew Shepard and National Coming Out Day

The weekend of October 11, 2013, marks the 15th year since gay college student Matthew Shepard was abducted, tied to a fence, beaten and left to die by two assailants in Laramie, Wyoming. His murder claimed national and international attention and has become one of the most widely known anti-gay hate crimes in American history. Following Ford's Theatre's evening performance of the play The Laramie Project, the public was invited to participate in a candlelight vigil in memory of Matthew Shepard's life and in recognition of National Coming Out Day. Scroll down for photos!