Pace University’s LGBTQA+ Center is hosting the fourteenth annual Lavender Graduation next month on May 1st, honoring LGBTQA+ students and allies. During the ceremony, graduating students will be given a lavender cord to wear during their graduation ceremony. Though, the event does not only aim to celebrate graduating students, as the Lavender Awards will also be presented, including Emerging Leader, Graduating Senior, and Lavender Athletic Award, among many more.
“It’s a combination of celebrating those that are graduating but also just the joy of the LGBTQ community,” said Jimmy Luckman, director of the LGBTQA+ center at Pace.
The history of the Lavender Graduation dates back to 1995, started by the University of Michigan, who continues to host it since. Since then, the tradition has spread to many colleges and universities across the U.S. and even outside of it. However, due to a changing political climate, many institutions have discontinued their Lavender Graduations.
“We’re seeing an increase in colleges and universities being more hesitant towards having the celebration because of federal regulations,” said Luckman. “There are universities in New York that are getting rid of Lavender graduation even though we live in a very progressive state.”
Luckman further explains the reasons behind this downtrend of the ceremony.
“I think a lot of the reason why colleges are moving away from it that there is an increase in anti-LGBTQ legislation. In the ebb and flow of history, the community is not able to celebrate as proudly as maybe they have in the past ten years.”
Despite many colleges and universities no longer hosting Lavender Graduations, Pace University has no plans of stopping theirs.
“It comes down to fear. And sometimes that fear is dictating how loud we can be, and is indicative of how happy we can be. We get to be that way at Pace so I think that is something to be highlighted.
Though the current political climate does not prioritize the safety of the LGBTQA+ community, Luckman is grateful that Pace has not backed down from supporting them.
“It goes to show that despite a lot of the things that are setting back the community, that there is one source of light and excitement that students can aspire towards.”
This year’s Lavender Graduation will be led by Debbie Amarah, Senior Staff Clinician at the Counseling Center. Barnabus Perry, coordinator of Pace’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, will be the Presenter of Names, an honor given to a faculty or staff member that has made a positive difference within the LGBTQA+ community.
The Lavender Speaker will be Benjamin Gelinus, one of the founding members of Pleasantville Pride, a non-profit community organization that centers around the LGBTQA+ community. The organization will be hosting a celebration at the Emanuel Lutheran Church parking lot on May 30th, meant to bring together the community and its allies with entertainment and activities for all ages. You can view more information about this event on their website.
Luckman goes on to explain why an event like Lavender Graduation is especially important as political and social challenges continue to face those in the community.
“I think some members of the LGBTQ community don’t feel comfortable being their true, authentic self on campus,” said Luckman. “So just having your name called at Lav Grad shows that we really do value and support our students through tumultuous times.”
This year’s Lavender Graduation will be hosted on Friday, May 1st, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. in the Gottesman Room. If you are interested in attending, you can register here. Registrations close April 20th.