Identify an organization in your community that advocates for gay rights. Collect information about this group and write a paper addressing topics such as current legislation, challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community locally, the historical context of LGBTQ+ rights, and their common political objectives.

Matthew Shepard was a political science student at the University of Wyoming when he died. He had a keen interest in human rights issues. Select a specific country and investigate its human rights challenges. What legislation has been enacted? What is the history of the human rights movement in that country? What are some major organizations in that country focusing on human rights?

Investigate hate crimes globally. Start by defining what a hate crime is. How do hate crimes differ from other crimes? What are the statistics on the frequency of hate crimes in different countries? Which nations have specific laws addressing hate crimes? Since these laws were enacted, have the rates of hate crimes decreased?

Read Tony Kushner’s Angels in America. Determine which scene might have been selected by Jedadiah Schultz for his scholarship audition at the University of Wyoming. Memorize the scene and perform it for your class.

Imagine you are the defense attorney for Aaron McKinney. Prepare the closing argument you would deliver to the jury in an effort to save his life. Develop a compelling reason why McKinney should be spared, and create an emotional appeal that might influence some of the jurors.