On April 17, the second annual Lavender Graduation Ceremony took place in the West Campus Atrium at 4 p.m. This ceremony is held to recognize members of the LGBTQ+ community and it’s allies. The Lavender Graduation Ceremony was about an hour and a half long, and featured awards given to students and faculty, and a keynote speaker.
According to the Human Rights Campaign website, the origin of Lavender Graduation dates back to 1995, where Dr. Ronni Sanlo was denied the opportunity to watch her children graduate because of her sexual orientation. Sanlo then went on to create the Lavender Graduation at the University of Michigan. Lavender Graduation ceremonies are now being held nationwide.
Senior Nicole Sperling, President of the Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA), was on the planning committee for the event. Seniors who are part of the LGBTQ+ community or allies were recognized at the ceremony.
“Lavender Graduation is an annual ceremony that acknowledges achievements and contributions of LGBTQ+ students at certain universities. Anyone can attend, as far as who will get recognized, it’s any senior who is a part of the LGBTQ+ community or is an ally as well as graduate students if they RSVP,” said Sperling.
The ceremony consists of awards, a keynote speaker, and a reception where people can connect with others after the ceremony. Lavender Graduation is held at many educational institutions across the nation.
“Lavender Graduation can be held on any college campus. Its very much student initiated, so if the students want to make it happen, it can happen. It’s very special that a catholic ceremony like SHU is letting us hold a lavender graduation ceremony,” said Sperling.
Kyle Humphreys, Manager of LGBTQ+ Affairs and the SAGE Center, played a big role in organizing the event. Humphreys said the attendance of the event doubled from last year. The ceremony featured Tony Ferraiolo as the keynote speaker, who shared his own personal journey with gender and identity.
“Tony shared in a very vulnerable way, his experiences coming to terms with his gender, and how along his personal journey he was able to grow and develop as a person, and help others develop as well. It was very inspirational, raw, and emotional,” said Humphreys.
Source; Contributed by Kyle Humphreys, Manager of LGBTQ+ Affairs
Source; Contributed by Nicole Sperling ’24
All graduating members received certificates at the event. There were also a series of awards given out to those who have been recognized for their achievements. Three students were chosen to receive the Pioneer Pride Award, Ally of the Year Award, and Rising Star Award. Prof. Sharlene Kerelejza was also recognized to receive the Community Catalyst Award.
“All graduating LGBTQ+ individuals both graduate and undergraduate received certificates, cords, as well as a gift. I gave everyone a copy of ‘Punch Me Up to The Gods’ by Brian Broome. I thought that was a great pick for this event. I was trying to have it subdully be themed about resilience, and recognize the achievements of our LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff,” said Humphreys.
Those who planned the Lavender Graduation Ceremony expect to make this a new tradition at SHU and have another event next year for graduating members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Sophomore Zoë Vella said, “SHU having the Lavender Graduation ceremony is very inclusive. I think it is great that those in the LGBTQ+ community as well as allies can receive recognition.”
