April 2013, Issue 4
UTSA Hosts Inaugural Lavender Graduation to Recognize GLBTQ Students
The Inclusion and Community Engagement Center at UTSA will host its inaugural Lavender Graduation ceremony this spring for graduating students who identify as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans, Questioning (GLBTQ) or Allies, and their families and friends.
Lavender Graduation celebrates and recognizes GLBTQ students and their allies and acknowledges their achievements and contributions at UTSA. The event will feature a keynote speaker, recognition of GLBTQ Scholarship recipients and the presentation of two new awards: Outstanding GLBTQ Student Leadership Award and Outstanding Faculty/Staff Supporter to GLBTQ Students. Nominations for both awards are currently being accepted via RowdyLink at https://utsa.collegiatelink.net/form/start/20843, https://utsa.collegiatelink.net/form/start/20497 and at www.utsa.edu/ice.
"This inaugural celebration will acknowledge our students’ academic successes as well as honor their personal journey and growth. Through this event, it is our hope that GLBTQ graduates will feel encouraged to maintain a connection to the university, the faculty and staff, and their fellow students, and become engaged alumni said," Yvonne Peña, Assistant Dean of Students.
The color lavender, a combination of pink and black, is an important symbol within GLBTQ history and culture. Gay men were forced to wear pink triangles in concentration camps and black triangles designated lesbians as political prisoners in Nazi Germany. The GLBTQ civil rights movement took these symbols of hatred and combined them to make symbols and color of pride and community. Lavender Graduation ceremonies are held across the country and began in 1995 at the University of Michigan.
"Lavender Graduation means a lot of things,” Sarah Price, president of GLBTQ and graduating senior, said. “It means I'm not the only one out there struggling, both as a student and as a person in the GLBTQ community. It means I don't have to fight alone, nor have I had to study alone. It recognizes that I have accomplished two of the hardest goals I ever put in front of myself: graduate college and come out of the closet. It validates my identity in front of an auditorium full of people. It celebrates me for being me, when so much of the society says I should feel shame. Lavender Graduation isn't just a ceremony for students; it's a nod of approval for so many who get none anywhere else in their lives."
The event will take place 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 in the University Center Denman Room. Students who identify as GLBTQ and their allies are encouraged to participate in Lavender Graduation, and must RSVP by April 15, 2013.
For more information or if you are graduating and a member of the GLBTQ and Ally community, please contact the Inclusion and Community Engagement Center at 210-458-4770 or engaged@utsa.edu.