Illinois State University is proud to announce its first Lavender Graduation, a ceremony that celebrates the accomplishments and success of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ), and allied students completing their degrees.
Lavender Graduation has found its place in numerous higher education institutions since its inception in 1995. The Lavender Graduation: Celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ), and Allied Graduates ceremony will take place Wednesday, May 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Prairie Room of the Bone Student Center.
Lavender Graduation creates a safe space for students to celebrate the completion of degrees and certificates with the support of families, faculty and staff. Regardless of what achievements have been contributed to the LGBTQ community, any graduating student is welcome to participate. This ceremony provides a positive, lasting experience for LGBTQ students and allies before they leave Illinois State.
A committee of students and staff has been working to bring the Lavender Graduation to Illinois State. “This event will not only be meaningful to all of the graduates honored but also our entire community,” said Dean of Students Art Munin, a planning committee member. “I cannot wait to see the vision for this event come to fruition.”
Registration for the event is now open and must be completed by 4:30 p.m. April 22. For questions about the event, contact the ISU Lavender Graduation Committee or visit the committee’s Facebook page.
Marie Huels contributed to this article.
