Lavender Graduation is an annual celebration conducted on numerous college campuses in the United States to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) and ally students, and to acknowledge their achievements and contributions to their universities. During Gallaudet University's Lavender Graduation, we celebrate our LGBTQIA+ and ally students who are graduating, acknowledge the unique struggles many have faced on their path to graduation. We also acknowledge and thank campus advocates and supporters who have championed the cause of increasing awareness and improving equity and inclusion around gender and sexuality.

The annual Lavender Graduation celebration is comprised of two parts:

Ceremony

Following remarks from administrators and keynote presenters, the LGBTQA Resource Center will present its annual awards to those who have made exceptional contributions towards increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion around gender and sexuality at Gallaudet. We then honor the graduating students, who will have an opportunity to thank their designated advocates from the campus body. Our graduating class will then receive their Lavender Diplomas as well as purple stoles and tassels to wear with their graduation regalia during university Commencement. The ceremony is open to the university community.

Reception

The reception following the Lavender Graduation ceremony is an opportunity for graduates and their invited guests to mingle with new and old friends and enjoy light desserts as we celebrate the Gallaudet LGBTQA community and tradition of pride and activism on campus. The Reception is by invitation only.

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