Lavender Graduation at UTC

Bring out the rainbows.

The Lavender Graduation registration is now open to students. Lavender Graduation is a special celebration dedicated to the LGBTQ+ of UTC.

It originally started at the University of Michigan then the event has spread across college campuses.

Here’s more background from the Office of Dean of Students.

What is Lavender Graduation?

Lavender Graduation is an annual ceremony conducted on numerous campuses to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and ally students and to acknowledge their achievements and contributions to the University. The Lavender Graduation Ceremony was created by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, a Jewish Lesbian, who was denied the opportunity to attend the graduations of her biological children because of her sexual orientation. It was through this experience that she came to understand the pain felt by her students. Encouraged by the Dean of Students at the University of Michigan, Dr. Sanlo designed the first Lavender Graduation Ceremony in 1995. The first Lavender Graduation began at the University of Michigan in 1995, with three graduates. By 2001, there were over 45 Lavender Graduation Ceremonies at Colleges and Universities nationwide. Graduating students, including undergraduates and graduates, are invited to take part in the celebration.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2018

• Location: Multicultural Center, University Center, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

  • 7:30PM LGBTQIA Reception – Women & Gender Equity Center

  • 8:00PM Awards  – Multicultural Center

  • 9:00PM Dessert Reception – Women & Gender Equity Center

You can register at orgsync.com.