Graduation Flyer courtesy of Cabrillo's Rainbow Council.
At the end of the spring semester, Cabrillo will be hosting its third annual Lavender Graduation ceremony at the Sesnon house, to celebrate its graduating queer student body.
Devin Walker, the Director of Student Success and Equity for the Rainbow Council, shined a light on the relevancy and importance of the ceremony amidst the current state of LGBTQ+ rights and politics.
“I think it’s important that we celebrate these students and their identities, particularly in a cultural moment where these identities are under attack”. Walker said.
“These are our community and we reaffirm to students and the larger Cabrillo community, the values that we stand on and inclusivity, and allowing people to be their full authentic selves”, Walker added, reiterating the impact of the event, and what it means for those at Cabrillo. He added.
Tobin Keller, a member of Cabrillo’s Rainbow council, said this will be the third year of this celebration of Cabrillo’s LGBTQ+ graduates.
“It really honors their accomplishments in an intimate ceremony, recognizing them for who they are, and giving them a chance to be recognized as individuals. It’s an opportunity to celebrate, as a group and community, and that’s really important”.
On the event’s name, attendees may be curious about the meaning behind it. Lavender has been a LGBTQ+ symbol since the late sixties, representing the empowerment of the pride movements.
Keller stated that attendees should expect a sit-down lunch in the back of the house, and a plethora of guest speakers, as well as honoring the rainbow scholarship winners.
The event, taking place from 11 AM to 2 PM on May 16th, is for allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community alike, and aims to celebrate Cabrillo students in the fullest.