You could feel excitement in the air, people’s faces flush with thrill and the chatter of voices ever present, as they filed into the conference room on the ground floor of Harold Washington College. Pastel shades filled the space, from the table runners to the decorations, as a hushed murmur led to the start of the event.
City Colleges celebrated LGBTQIA+ grads with this ceremony on April 24, inviting all campuses to attend and observe students’ achievements. Joe Hinton, HWC Associate Dean and member of the Lavender Graduation staff, opened the evening at 6:30 p.m. on the dot.
The concept for this ceremony began in 1995 at the University of Michigan, initiated by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, who recognized the need to celebrate LGBTQIA+ students, as told by student Drew Riebhoff.
They are a somewhat new tradition, providing a safe and inclusive space to honor the achievements of these graduates and celebrate diversity and resilience. Sanlo, inspired by her personal experiences and challenges the community faced, pictured a ceremony that would not only acknowledge academic accomplishments but also provide a sense of belonging and affirmation.
Since their inception, Lavender Graduations have grown in popularity and are now celebrated at numerous educational institutions across the United States and internationally. Other graduations that honor marginalized groups include Latinx and African American events, to honor those for whom recognition may be a challenge.
For many folks, the ceremony represents a moment of validation and recognition that they may not have experienced elsewhere. It is an opportunity to celebrate their identity openly and proudly, surrounded by allies.
After opening remarks and a land and labor acknowledgement by students Connor Tanner and Jalen Ezedike, the stage was given to keynote speaker, Zahara Bassett, CEO of Life Is Work, a trans-led group to empower and organize people from many backgrounds toward safety, per their website.
After a speech, Bassett finished with the powerful quote: “There is no power in shrinking,” referring to society wanting those who do not conform to keep it quiet and “polite”.
Despite their significance, these events can sometimes meet with resistance or lack of understanding, as reported by Pride Source, while others struggle with funding. City Colleges thankfully avoids these issues, due to supportive community and generous funding from the donors and city, as stated by Hinton during his welcome speech at the ceremony.
After opening speakers, the students came up one at a time, faculty members congratulating the graduates and presenting their rainbow graduation cords.
One student paused to take a selfie in front of his name and accomplishments as they were projected on the screen, exclaiming aloud “I did it and this proves it!” He later said he would be sending the photo to his family to show them he could do what he set his mind on.
As the ceremonies wound down, Assistant Dean Nathan Blair stood up to give the closing remarks: “You are the inspiration and the hope.”