You might have heard of “Lavender Graduation” and wondered what it is. It’is a celebration for LGBTQ+ graduating students to honor their academic achievements.
According to the Lavender Graduation Legacy project, Lavender Graduation began in 1995 at the University of Michigan by Dr. Ronni Sanlo after they saw LGBTQ+ students being left out of university traditions and ceremonies.
Lavender graduations are not only a celebration, but are also an act of change to make LGBTQIA+ students feel more included and visible in higher education.
According to the Lavender Graduation Legacy project, Lavender Graduations create a safer and more inclusive space, honor LGBTQ+ students’ achievements and journeys, build community and show that LGBTQ+ students matter. It also allows LGBTQ+ students be identified with their chosen names and pronouns.
Colleges across the country currently host Lavender Graduations, including San Diego State University, California State University San Marcos and Grossmont Community College.
Grossmont’s Sexual Orientation Gender Identity, or SOGI, club hosts the Lavender Graduation for students part of the LGBTQ+ community. This will be the fourth year the club will host the event, which will take place June 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the terrace on the second level of Building 36.
For more information on Grossmont’s Lavender Graduation,stop by a SOGI club meeting or the Pride Center, which is located in the Village (the second level of building 70). The Pride Center is open from Monday to Thursday.
