The 13th annual Lavender Graduation took place on Thursday, April 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Oakland Center’s Ballroom B.
Hosted by the Gender and Sexuality Center, the ceremony celebrates LGBTQ+ graduates and the support systems that helped them reach this milestone.
Lavender Graduation is an annual event held on college campuses across the country to honor the achievements of LGBTQ+ students and the people working beside them towards justice and equity.
The ceremony was created in 1995 by Ronni Sanlo after she was denied the opportunity to attend her children’s graduations because she openly identified as lesbian.
Oakland University hosted its first Lavender Graduation in 2013 and will celebrate its 13th class of graduates this year.
According to Blake Ilan, director of the Gender and Sexuality Center, Lavender Graduation serves a distinct and necessary role during graduation season.
“For some of our students, it’s the only chance they have during graduation season to be called by their authentic name,” Ilan said.
Lavender Graduation does not limit the number of guests graduates are allowed to invite, allowing students to celebrate alongside their chosen family, biological family or a mix of both.
Ilan said the ceremony provides LGBTQ+ students with a meaningful experience to work toward during their college careers, one that acknowledges the full scope of who they are.
“It’s incredibly important for students to be acknowledged as their whole and authentic selves,” Ilan said. “Being celebrated because of their queerness, rather than despite it, is a life-changing paradigm.”
For Ula Tuskenyte, a psychology major with minors in German and communication and a Lavender Village resident assistant, Lavender Graduation was a milestone she had been looking forward to for years.
“This was my third year attending,” Tuskenyte said. “I used to come and watch my friends walk the stage, but I was honestly more excited for this than for the big commencement. It’s a smaller, more tight-knit community. You can feel the love in the room.”
Tuskenyte said celebrating alongside people who supported her throughout her time at OU made the ceremony especially meaningful.
“I’m grateful to have my partner here celebrating with me,” she said. “Seeing the people who showed up for me meant a lot.”
Ilan said participation in Lavender Graduation has grown over time, with increased involvement from graduate students this year, reflecting the expanding presence of LGBTQ+ students across campus.
For Lynx Mallet, a graphic design major, hearing their name called during Lavender Graduation carried special weight.
“When it comes to the actual graduation, that name won’t be called,” Mallet said. “That name will end here, but hopefully it will live out in the world.”
Unlike traditional ceremonies, Mallet said Lavender Graduation felt more personal.
“I liked this one more because it felt more personalized,” Mallet said. “Having something read out loud that actually represents you, that’s beautiful.”
For Ilan, the purpose of the ceremony extends beyond a single evening.
“I hope everyone remembers what it feels like to be surrounded by a community that understands them and celebrates them for who they are,” Ilan said. “Anyone who participates in Lavender Graduation should never feel alone or like they are too strange for this world. You are in majestic company.”
