History of Lavender Graduation

Lavender Graduation ceremonies have a rich history and began with the first Lavender Graduation at the University of Michigan in 1995. The first Lavender Graduation ceremony was created by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, the Director of the Lesbian and Gay Programs Office at the University of Michigan. Dr. Sanlo, who had been denied admittance to her children’s commencement ceremonies because of her sexuality, realized there were no recognition ceremonies to honor the lives and achievements of Queer and Trans students. With the extra stress and pressure placed upon Queer and Trans college students, Lavender Graduation ceremonies are an important rite of passage that offer recognition and inspiration to students. Lavender Graduation ceremonies are open to all graduates, those within the Queer and Trans communities and their allies. The tradition is continued today at hundreds of institutions across the nation and the Pride Alliance is honored to add UNT’s name to that list.

Lavender Graduation, Spring 2019

This year, we are proud to partner with Women's and Gender Studies and the LGBT Studies minor to celebrate Queer and Trans students as well as Queer and Trans scholarship happening in feminist and Queer academic departments. Register to receive a stole and be honored! tinyurl.com/lavenderwgstgrad on April 27, 2019 in Union Room 314A, from 10am-12pm. Light refreshments provided.