Matthew Shepard officially died in a hospital in Fort Collins, Colo. His spirit died on the outskirts of Laramie, Wyo., tied to a fence.

Shepard was beaten and left for dead by two men because he was gay.

His death wasn’t necessary – it happened as a result of hate and ignorance.

The community is invited to attend a night of education and awareness Tuesday in a free showing of “The Laramie Project,” said organizer Suzanne Zilber.

“The Laramie Project” is the documentary film about Shepard’s death in 1998 and its effect on the Laramie community, said Zilber, ISU Student Counseling Service psychologist.

Zilber said she feels it is extremely important for members of the Ames community to view the documentary in an open setting, and discussion of the film’s topics will be made available after the movie.

“I think the film does an excellent job of warning communities about the grief, shame and media onslaught that occur in the wake of a hate crime,” she said. “The film also sensitizes viewers to the real discrimination and fear experienced by sexual minorities.”

Emilyn Ferree, member of Spectrum, an Ames High group supporting students representing sexual minorities, said the issues tackled by “The Laramie Project” can be hard to accept.

“Some parts of [the film] are kind of disturbing to some people,” Ferree said. “We’re going to discuss what parts are most powerful and what can be done to increase tolerance in the Ames community.”

Zilber said she hopes “The Laramie Project” will inspire members of the central Iowa community to become more aware of the potential impact of hate-inspired violence in their hometowns.

“Anyone watching the film will realize that when any one member of a community becomes a victim of a hate crime, everyone in the community also becomes a victim of a hate crime,” she said.

“The Laramie Project” presentation will begin at 6:45 p.m. in the Ames High Multipurpose Room.