Lavender Graduation | Photo by Hannah Carson | The Wright State Guardian
On Wednesday, April 13, six Wright State University students received rainbow stoles to celebrate personal graduation this semester or fall 2022.
History of the event
According to the Human Rights Campaign, Dr. Ronni Sanlo, a Jewish lesbian, created the “Lavender Graduation.” The campaign describes Sanlo’s experience.
“[Sanlo] 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,” the campaign shares on its website.
These ceremonies celebrate, recognize and honor specific LGBTQA+ experiences and allow for a space to share hopes and dreams, according to the Human Rights Campaign.
WSU celebrates its own Lavender Graduation since approximately 2016, with a few years skipped in between due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Event at WSU
In the words of LGBTQA Center assistant director Dr. Emily Yantis-Houser, Lavender Graduation honors LGBTQA+ students for personal and academic achievements at WSU.
“Many LGBTQA+ young people struggle with personal and professional challenges, and it is important to honor their incredible achievements and growth while with us,” Yantis-Houser said.
Everyone, including family, friends and any WSU students and faculty, were welcome to the ceremonies of the six students.
Yantis-Houser, along with vice president of Inclusive Excellence, Dr. Matthew Chaney, who spoke to the struggles the graduating students have experienced, welcomed the graduates and attendees.
“I know many of you, as I said, have overcome many obstacles to get to this point, and I want to celebrate you. This is why we do the work that we do, to get to this point,” Chaney said.
Following Chaney, alumni relations officer Bing Bingham congratulated students and encouraged graduating students to use the resources offered through the Alumni Association.
Yantis-House announced each student individually and provided personally written biographies. Chaney then presented each student with a rainbow stole.
History graduate Eliza Hendrix was one such graduate. Hendrix commented on the support system available to LGBTQA+ students at WSU.
“I knew Emily [Yantis-Houser] for three or four years now. She's helped me a lot with my own struggle and journey here at Wright State, especially related to my status in the LGBT community,” Hendrix said. “So I felt, being a part of that community, I was like, oh, this is for me, but also to give that back to Emily, where this is the space she created, and I want to use it to make sure that it's honoring and a tribute to her.”
Hendrix plans to serve with the Peace Corps after graduation. For more information about the LGBTQA Center and further resources, visit the center’s website.
