The Laramie Project

In “Two Queers and a Catholic Priest,” two members of the theatre company, Leigh Fondakowski and Greg Pierotti, met with Father Roger Schmit towards the end of their second trip. They are both exhausted and are not looking forward to the meeting. Father Schmit tells them that no one “has done more for this community than Matthew Shepard” (65). When Matthew was attacked, the priest admits he was scared, but he also knew he had to do what was right, and so he held a vigil for Matthew. He exhorts the company to “say it correct” (65) and not “make matters worse” (65). He acknowledges that while what was done to Matthew was undoubtedly violent, there are other kinds of violence too, and that homophobic slurs are the “seed of violence” (65). He tells Leigh and Greg that he would “resent it immensely” (65) if they used this project to incite violence of any kind. Leigh thanks him for his words, and he repeats his request: “do your best to say it correct” (66).

“Christmas” draws on an interview with Andrew Gomez, who spent time in jail with Aaron McKinney. He recalls asking Aaron, “‘Why did you KILL a faggot if you’re gonna be destined to BE a faggot later?’” (66).