May 3, 2013
Second annual K-State Lavender Graduation May 5
Lavender Graduation is a cultural celebration that recognizes lesbian, gaybisexual and transgender, or LGBT, students and acknowledges their achievements and contributions to the university as students who have been successful at the college experience. Through such recognition LGBT students may leave the university with a positive last experience of the institution thereby encouraging them to become involved mentors for current students as well as financially contributing alumni.
Lavender Graduation builds on the universitywide commencement events as a ceremony celebrating and recognizing our K-State Wildcat seniors. The event is held prior to the academic commencement ceremony to facilitate participation before the conclusion of the academic year. This year's event will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 5, in the K-State Alumni Center.
The tradition of Lavender Graduation began at the University of Michigan in 1995 with just three graduates. By 2001, more than 45 institutions were holding 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 LGBT history and in the community. It's a combination of the colors pink and black, which were once used to identify and discriminate against gays and lesbians. The LGBT community has reclaimed lavender as a symbol of pride and community.
The LGBT Resource Center and LGBT and Allies welcome all graduating students and members of our esteemed alumni to participate in this event. If you are a community member, student, faculty or staff who would like to attend as well, please register. Please indicate that you are a guest in the biography section of the online form.