TAMIU holds second Lavender Graduation

By David Gomez Jr.
Editor-in-chief
Published Monday, May 16, 2022

A group of 13 Dustdevils took pride in receiving their purple stole and cord at the University’s second Lavender Graduation hosted by SOLE.

At 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, the LGBTQ+ cording ceremony, also known as Lavender Graduation, was held in the Texas A&M International University Student Center Room 236, hosted by the Office of Student Orientation, Leadership & Engagement.

“Today celebrates our Dustdevils and the ceremony focuses, and honors, students who identify with the LGBTQIA+ community,” Assistant Director of SOLE Nayeli Lopez said. “It is a ceremony celebrated across the United States to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and allied students to acknowledge their achievements and contributions to the University.”

The commencement also provided treats at its entrance. Attendees could also take an array of goodies when leaving, as well as leftovers. Cupcakes and different colored pride flags and stickers were some of the treats given away.

For one proud graduate, she did not think she would attend.

“I was actually debating on coming here because I’m not really like ‘out’ yet, but just like how that keynote speaker [had] said,” new alumna Angela Carranza said. “It’s very comfortable to be out around people that love me for who I am.

“I know there are people who are in for the time being, but it’s very comforting knowing there’s a community [who] loves you for you also, and shares the same values as you.”

According to the Human Rights Campaign website, the Lavender Graduation Ceremony was created by Jewish lesbian Ronni Sanlo, 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 obstacles these students go through.

SOLE hosted TAMIU’s Inaugural Lavender Graduation on May 12, 2021.