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LGBTQ* Services

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The 7th Annual (Virtual) Lavender Graduation 2021

Friday, MAY 21ST AT 3:30PM EST

Lavender Graduation is a LGBTQ* graduation celebration that was founded at University of Michigan by Dr. Ronni Sanlo in 1995. In the years since then, Lavender Graduation has spread to a number of Universities and Colleges around the country. Dr. Sanlo intended to create an event that would bring together LGBTQ* students for a chance to celebrate each other, their hard work and their achievements. 

Here at Stony Brook University, LGBTQ* Services hosts an annual Lavender Graduation ceremony. The event takes place during the month of May after finals have concluded and serves to honor all LGBTQ* graduating students, celebrate their time at Stony Brook, and recognize them for their contributions to the University community. 

To attend Lavender Graduation, please register at this link no later than Sunday May 2, at 11:59pm. 

To the Class of 2021 from LGBTQ* Services

This year has really emphasized your resilience and unwillingness to let obstacles stop you from acheiving your goals! Beginning your final year as Seawolves in a hybrid environment leaning heavily on the virtual end of things was surely not what everyone was hoping for or expecting. We at LGBTQ* Services feel privileged to have spent time with you in-person and virtually over the past few years of your academic journey. Thank you class of 2021 for that honor. We cannot wait to celebrate you and all of your accomplishments at this year's Lavender Graduation. 

LGBTQ* Services Lavender Graduation Video

As part of the Virtual Lavender Graduation Ceremony we'd love to include photos, videos, messages, and memories from you! Within the registration form you will have the opportunity to share anything you'd want us to include in a video montage of the graduating class of 2021! Feel free to include a video message if you want to offer shout outs to those who helped you in your journey or congratulating the other graduates. Please keep any video clips under 30 seconds long!

We ask that while you're sharing your highlights you be mindful and respectful of other people's identities, experiences and privacy. If you are submitting video or photos that include people aside from yourself, please obtain consent from all pictured (even in the background)!

LGBTQ* Advocacy Awards

Every year, the LGBTQ* Advocacy Award honors individuals for their contributions to advocacy on behalf of LGBTQ* communities at Stony Brook University. There will be separate awards for undergraduates and graduate students.

Graduating individuals who have contributed in one or more of the following ways are eligible for consideration:

  • Elevated the experiences of LGBTQ* people and/or communities;
  • Helped to improve campus or community policies affecting LGBTQ* people and/or communities; 
  • Enhanced visibility and awareness of LGBTQ* topics, issues, and/or concerns.

For nominations to be considered, please complete and submit nominations at this link by Sunday, May 2, 2021 at 11:59pm.  
Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged!

The awards will be given during our Virtual Lavender Graduation Celebration on May 21st. 

Speakers

Speakers are a special part of any commencement ceremony. In addition to some amazing faculty and staff members who will be helping us celebrate the Class of 2021, we are looking for Graduate and Undergraduate students graduating to share a few words of wisdom at the event.

If you are interested in being the Undergraduate or Graduate Class Speaker at the 2021 Lavender Graduation Ceremony please submit an application at this link, by Sunday, May 2, 2021 at 11:59pm.