Lavender Graduation Ceremony 2024!!!

It’s almost May, meaning, it’s almost graduation time!!!! While this time of year is certainly a very joyous time, for students in the LGBTQIA+ community, it can come with its challenges. For some, their chosen name might not get called (if they didn’t feel comfortable telling the higher ups within their institution their chosen name), fear of harassment/discrimination, not having a supportive community around them, and so on. While not every LGBTQIA+ graduating senior feels this way, some certainly do.

To make this an exciting and inclusive experience for all, Salem State University’s The Alliance hosts a celebration called Lavender Graduation. “Lavender Graduation is an annual ceremony held by many universities and colleges to honor and celebrate the achievements of graduating LGBTQ+ students. The name “lavender” refers to the color historically associated with the LGBTQ+ community.

Lavender Graduation is an important event for the Queer community as it recognizes the unique challenges that LGBTQ+ students may face during their academic careers, such as discrimination, bullying, and lack of representation. It provides a safe a and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ students to celebrate their accomplishments and connect with their peers and allies. Lavender Graduation also serves as a powerful symbol of visibility and progress for the LGBTQ+ community, demonstrating that institutions of higher education are committed to supporting and uplifting Queer individuals.

Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome! To participate in the 2024 Lavender Graduation and/or receive a lavender stole, please complete our registration form [I’m sure if the deadline has passed to be a part of this or this or not—regardless, I would still send an email]. For questions, please email ssualliance@gmail.com” (I got this information from the “News and Events” tab on the Salem State Website).