[2] He has served on the Matthew Shepard Foundation board of directors since the organization's inception and currently speaks to audiences around the country, particularly to victims' advocacy organizations and law enforcement audiences about his experiences and the importance of equal treatment of LGBT crime victims and their loved ones.

1592), a bill which would expand federal hate crimes legislation to include sexual orientation, was introduced as federal bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Congress, sponsored by Democrat John Conyers with 171 co-sponsors.

On October 22, 2009, the United States Congress passed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr.

Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and on October 28, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the legislation into law.

[8][9] Dennis and his wife Judy announced Wyoming's votes in the roll call at the 2020 Democratic National Convention.