“Everyone deserves access to higher education and a welcoming, safe space to learn, live and thrive. It is most appropriate, in this time, to honor the Class of 2020 who deserve to be celebrated for their achievement,” said Shane Windmeyer, the Executive Director of Campus Pride. “This virtual Lavender Graduation is one way we can tell LGBTQ+ and ally graduates of the Class of 2020 that we see you - and that you matter, your achievements matter.”
2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the very first Lavender Graduation organized at the University of Michigan. Sanlo, who created the program, is a pioneer of campus organizing for LGBTQ+ people within higher education. Since 1995, Lavender Graduation has been a commencement tradition for LGBTQ+ and ally college students that is now included in many universities across the United States.
"Graduation is not a given. It takes drive, tenacity, and support from family and friends to achieve, which is doubly true for LGBTQ+ students. To members of the Lavender Class of 2020, PFLAG families across the country swell with pride in you," said Diego Sanchez, who, in addition to serving as Director of Advocacy, Policy, and Partnerships for PFLAG National, was the first in his family to have attended college, first to graduate, and was the first openly transgender person to serve as senior legislative staff on Capitol Hill.
Campus Pride’s Lavender Graduation digital event is being made possible with support of the Palette Fund.
