Lavender graduations are ceremonies held on college and university campuses to celebrate LGBTQ+ students and their allies. These events provide a space for LGBTQ+ individuals to be recognized for their achievements and to feel supported and validated in their identities.

The tradition of lavender graduations can be traced back to 1995 when Dr. Ronni Sanlo, a lesbian mother and former director of the UCLA LGBT Center, organized the first event at the University of Michigan. The color lavender was chosen for its historical significance in the LGBTQ+ community, as it was used to identify gay individuals during the Holocaust.

Since then, lavender graduations have become a common practice on college campuses across the United States. These events typically include speeches from LGBTQ+ faculty and staff, awards for outstanding LGBTQ+ students, and the presentation of lavender graduation stoles or cords to signify the students’ identity.

For many LGBTQ+ students, lavender graduations are an important milestone in their academic journey. These ceremonies provide them with a sense of pride and accomplishment, as well as a sense of community and belonging. It is also a chance for LGBTQ+ students to publicly affirm their identities and have them recognized and celebrated by their peers and faculty.

In addition to honoring LGBTQ+ students, lavender graduations also serve as a reminder of the progress that has been made in terms of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. They are a celebration of the diversity and inclusion that exists on college campuses, and a reaffirmation of the importance of supporting and uplifting LGBTQ+ individuals.

Overall, lavender graduations play a vital role in creating a welcoming and affirming environment for LGBTQ+ students. By recognizing and celebrating their achievements, these ceremonies help to empower LGBTQ+ individuals and foster a sense of community and solidarity. As the tradition of lavender graduations continues to grow, so too does the visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in academia and society as a whole.