April 26, 2023
LGBT Resource Center to host Lavender Graduation April 30
The LGBT Resource Center and Diversity and Multicultural Student Affairs welcome all LGBTQ+ and ally graduating students and alumni to participate and register for the 2023 Lavender Graduation Ceremony from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 30, at the K-State Alumni Center.
All LGBTQ+ and ally graduates from fall 2022 and spring 2023 are encouraged to register and to participate.
If you are a community member, student, faculty or staff member who would like to attend and show your support, please register and indicate that you're a guest in the biography section of the online form.
Register to participate in the 2023 Lavender Graduation Ceremony.
Lavender Graduation is a cultural celebration that recognizes LGBTQ+ and ally students for their achievements and contributions to the university. It builds on the universitywide commencement events as a ceremony celebrating and recognizing K-State's LGBTQ+ seniors. The event is held prior to the academic commencement ceremony to facilitate participation and recognition before the conclusion of the academic year.
The tradition of Lavender Graduation began at the University of Michigan in 1995 with just three graduates. Now, more than 80 colleges and universities host Lavender Graduation ceremonies, and the tradition continues to expand to additional colleges and universities across the country. The color lavender plays a historic role in LGBTQ+ history and in the community. It's a combination of the colors pink and black, which were once used for identification and discrimination. The LGBTQ+ community has reclaimed lavender as a symbol of pride and community.