Lavender Graduation

At the University of Florida, the Office of LGBTQ+ Student Engagement organizes the annual Lavender Graduation ceremony with the support of other campus partners. Undergraduate and graduate students who identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and are graduating in the year of the ceremony (Fall or Spring Semester) are eligible to RSVP. The ceremony includes dinner, provided by the University, as well as a short program featuring a keynote speaker and the recognition of graduating students.

This year, Lavender's Graduation will be held on Monday, April 22nd, from 6 PM to 8 PM in the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom.

All individuals hoping to attend the Lavender Graduation ceremony must submit the RSVP form by Wednesday, April 10th, 2024, at 5 PM.

The RSVP form link can be located here: Lavender Graduation RSVP

You are also encouraged to apply or nominate considerations for our Lavender Awards! Lavender Awards are an opportunity to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ and ally communities at the University of Florida. We will be accepting nominations until Wednesday, April 10th, 2024, at 5 PM for the following awards:

There are countless students who make incredible contributions to the University of Florida community! The “Gaytor of the Year Award” intends to highlight two exemplary community members. The purpose of this award is to acknowledge and celebrate students who have inspired their peers, staff and faculty, and the University of Florida as a whole. This award will be presented to two recipients, one undergraduate student and one graduate student.

Requires 1 Letter of Recommendation from a University of Florida staff or faculty member; make sure contact information is provided when prompted.

The service and research conducted by LGBTQ+ undergraduate students at the University of Florida are essential and profound. The “Excellence in LGBTQ+ Research & Service Award” intends to honor one undergraduate student in their research and/or service to the LGBTQ+ community at the University of Florida. Successful applicants must demonstrate exemplary service or research to the University of Florida and wider Gainesville communities on behalf of their lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) members. Such service or research may include efforts to eliminate heterosexism, homophobia, or transphobia, to prevent discrimination, or to create safe spaces and activities for LGBTQ+ individuals. Research and service initiatives performed during 2021 and 2022 will be considered for this award.

The work and support of our allies who do not identify as LGBTQ+ is pivotal to creating opportunities and safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community! The “Solidarity Award” intends to honor a community member who is an ally and has demonstrated outstanding support and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

Requires 1 Letter of Recommendation from a University of Florida staff or faculty member; make sure contact information is provided when prompted.

Mentorship is a tremendous and significant pillar in the LGBTQ+ community, the “Outstanding LGBTQ+ Community Mentor Award” is meant to celebrate an outstanding mentor in the community who positively contributes to the experience of LGBTQ+ University of Florida students. Successful applicants will have demonstrated outstanding guidance and direction to LGBTQ+ students at the University of Florida.

Student voice and advocacy is the heart of our mission at the Office of LGBTQ+ Student Engagement. The “Organization of the Year” award will be presented to an outstanding student organization that has demonstrated exemplary support of the LGBTQ+ community at the University of Florida.

Requires 1 Letter of Recommendation from a University of Florida staff or faculty member; make sure contact information is provided when prompted.

Learn more about the Lavender Awards in our FAQ Section! You are welcome to submit nominations for the Lavender Awards at this link: Lavender Awards Nominations

Please do not hesitate to contact Program Director, Jamir Wright, with any questions, comments, or concerns at jwright7@ufl.edu.

History of Lavender Graduation

Lavender Graduation is an annual event to celebrate the achievements and contributions of graduating LGBTQ+ and ally students. The ceremony is held in addition to traditional commencement services and allows for a more communal and affirming environment for attendees. Dr. Ronni Sanlo, a UF alum, is credited with holding the first Lavender Graduation Ceremony in 1995, at the University of Michigan while serving as the Director of their LGBT Campus Resource Center.

“My vision is that Lavender Graduation will be an annual celebration at every college and university in the country and that the lives of our LGBT students will be fully honored. Since LGBT students are of every race, ability, nationality, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic levels, Lavender Graduation provides a unique opportunity to present a truly multicultural event while acknowledging students who spent most of their college years succumbing to invisibility on their campuses.” – Dr. Sanlo, 1996

More than 20 years after the initial Lavender Graduation, Dr. Sanlo’s vision comes closer to reality with over 500 universities and colleges across the nation have organized their own Lavender Graduation ceremony. Historically, “lavender” as a term and color have been synonymous with queerness and the LGBTQ+ community. Students often receive lavender diplomas, stoles, cords, or tassels as part of their recognition at the ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions

All members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies are welcome to attend Lavender Graduation! Students, faculty, staff, and alumni are welcome to attend the ceremony in support of the lavender graduates. Lavender graduates are also permitted to bring one guest with them, please indicate that information in the RSVP form! ALL individuals hoping to attend the Lavender Graduation ceremony must complete the RSVP form by WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12TH, 2023, AT 5PM.

Any questions regarding eligibility to attend the Lavender Graduation ceremony can be directed to the Program Director, Jamir Wright, at jwright7@ufl.edu.