Vashon Island Commemorates World AIDS Day With A Weekend of Events

VASHON ISLAND, WA—Vashon World AIDS Day and The David Serko Project, in partnership with The Matthew Shepard Foundation, Not On Our Island, Take a Stand Theatre, Vashon Repertory Theatre, Vashon Island Film Institute, and the Vashon School District, invites the public to a powerful weekend of remembrance, community dialogue, and inspiration.

The events aim to foster community solidarity, promote empathy, and encourage active dialogue around critical social issues. Please join us in honoring the memory of Matthew Shepard and those lost to AIDS and in exploring how our community can be a force for positive change.

Saturday, December 7 – Not on Our Island

Location: Vashon High School Theater

5:00 pm - The Cards and Letters Exhibit

This exhibition, supported by Vashon Repertory Theatre, unveils letters and cards received by the Shepard family after Matthew’s tragic death. It illustrates the profound impact of his story on individuals and communities and highlights the urgent need for continued advocacy and unity.

6:30 pm - The Laramie Project Staged Reading

Directed by Chris Boscia of Take A Stand Theatre, island actors will perform The

Laramie Project by Moisés Kaufman. This play captures Laramie, Wyoming’s reckoning with the murder of Matthew Shepard, and the broader themes of prejudice, accountability, and community healing. The performance aims to spark discussions on tolerance, the media’s role in shaping perception, and collective responsibility in addressing hate.

Cast: Dedra Whitt-Dakota - Phillip Gorbachov - Mateo Grey - Catherine MacNeal - Toby Nichols - Cate O'Kane - Brian Palermo - Samantha Sherman - Steven Sterne - Erika Strandberg - Jon Whalen

Set, projections, sound, and light design: Brooke Osment and West McLean.

Dennis Shepard, Matthew’s father, will address the Vashon community before the performance, sharing insights into the work he and his wife, Judy Shepard, a 2024 Presidential Medal of Honor recipient, have undertaken in Matthew’s name to foster acceptance and combat hate.

Not On Our Island: Community Discussion

Post-performance: A moderated discussion exploring themes from The Laramie Project, including prejudice, justice, media influence, and healing. Facilitated by Cate O’Kane, community members from media, education, health and the faith community will share insights and guide a reflective conversation with the audience.