The second annual Lavender Graduation celebration at CSULB will be held on Saturday, May 10, at 2:00 p.m. at the University Student Union Ballroom on campus. Intended to complement the general graduation ceremony, Lavender Graduation is a unique commencement celebration for LGBT-identified graduates. Heterosexual ally graduates are also encouraged to participate.

“Lavender Graduation has become this wonderful opportunity for people within and outside of the LGBTIQA community to share this moment of accomplishments and express their individuality with their family, friends, and loved ones – their personal allies.” Jeffrey Au Spafford, Student Organizer

The purpose of the Lavender Graduation Celebration at CSULB is to provide a visible sense of community for LGBT students on campus, create opportunities for student involvement, improve retention rates, and communicate the university’s commitment to all forms of diversity.

The theme of the second annual Lavender Graduation celebration at CSULB is “Who’s Your Ally?” Chosen by last year’s event organizers, this theme emphasizes the need for collaboration in creating social change. This celebration will acknowledge and show appreciation to both heterosexual allies as well as allies within the LGBT community.

Photo by Victoria Sanchez

The LGBT Resource Center at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) was recognized at the April 22nd Long Beach City Council meeting in honor of the university’s Lavender Graduation Celebration.

“Recognition of the Lavender Graduation Celebration at CSULB from the Long Beach City Council validates our position in the greater Long Beach community and provides future students with a sense of hope and motivation” said Benny Lemaster, Founder & 2007 Lavender Grad.

Long Beach City Councilmember Tonia Reyes Uranga of the 7th District initiated the recognition process to acknowledge CSULB’s commitment to expanding services for LGBT and other traditionally underserved student populations at the university. She will deliver a keynote address at the ceremony along with Julie Brown, President of Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride, Inc. (LBLGP).

Both speakers have lent significant support to the Lavender Graduation Celebration at CSULB. The District 7 Council Office participated in the inaugural Lavender Graduation Celebration in 2007. This year, Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride, Inc. generously donated $4,000 to the event.

The Lavender Graduation Celebration at CSULB is sponsored by Associated Students, Inc., Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride, Inc., the Shoreline Frontrunners of Long Beach, Delta Lambda Phi – Rho Chapter, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Life and Development, the LGBT Resource Center at CSULB, and the Division of Student Services.

For more information about the Lavender Graduation Celebration at CSULB or to RSVP, visit CSULB LGBT Events.