Whereas, on October 7, 1998, Matthew Shepard was targeted and brutally attacked due to his sexual orientation, and he ultimately passed away on October 12, 1998; Whereas during the past 20 years, American society has made substantial progress to recognize the dignity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Americans and create a more inclusive and equal Nation; Whereas despite this progress, many Americans of minority sexual orientations and gender identities still face regular harassment, as well as discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, health care, and other services; Whereas LGBTQ youth more frequently face harassment, threats, and violence, increasing risk to their mental and behavioral health; Whereas LGBTQ people still face higher risk of victimization and violent crimes; and Whereas transgender people, particularly transgender women of color, face a substantial risk of assault, sexual violence, murder, and other violent crimes compared to their cisgender, straight peers: Now, therefore, be it